Aklys
The aklys (Latin aclys, Greek agkulis) was a Roman javelin measuring approximately 2 m (79 in, 6.6 ft) in length, thrown with the aid of a leather strap or amentum, similar to a Swiss arrow. Every soldier was issued at least two.[1] The origin is believed to trace back to the sixth century B.C.E. Oscan tribe in Italy.[1]
The term also applies to a small mace or club equipped with spikes, attached to one arm of the wielder by a strap of adjustable length to enable the weapon to be retrieved after it had been hurled at an enemy. Its use probably goes back to the Osci tribe of southern Italy.[1] The weapon is also described as a dart[2] and as a throwing stick or boomerang.[3]
Popular culture
The aklys, as a "thonged club", appears in various fantasy games such as Dungeons & Dragons (the 1985 manual Unearthed Arcana) and in NetHack[4] at least as far back as 1987.[5]
See also
- Javelin throw
- Spear thrower
- Swiss arrow
- Military of ancient Rome
- Morning star
- Ranged weapon
- Roman army
- Roman military personal equipment
- Spear
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Blair, Claude and Tarassuk, Leonid, eds. (1982). The Complete Encyclopedia of Arms and Weapons. Simon & Schuster. p. 17. ISBN 0-671-42257-X.
- ↑ Stone, George Cameron (1999). A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times. Courier Dover Productions. p. 694. ISBN 0-486-40726-8.
- ↑ Burton, Richard F. (1987). The Book of the Sword. Dover Publications. ISBN 0-486-25434-8.
- ↑
- ↑