Roman — Roman; 40-140
Spearhead, military spearhead
A mid to low-shouldered iron spearhead, with a raised central midrib and short round socket (probably not surviving to its full length). The blade is very flat in section and bears a punctim inscription along one edge.
The inscription reads 'C VER VICT'. This has usually been interpreted as C(enturia) Ver(i) Vict(oris), indicating that the spear belonged to a century or section of an auxiliary unit commanded by a centurion named Verus Victor. It could equally be interpreted as '(belonging to) Victor, in the century of Ver(i)us'.
This weapon is similar in size and form to a number of other examples, such as pieces from the Roman forts at Newstead and Hod Hill. In view of its not inconsiderable size, it is probably best interpreted as a thrusting spear.
It was found in a late 1st-century well on the Bucklersbury House site in the City of London.
- Category:
- Roman
- Object ID:
- 19233
- Object name:
- spearhead, military spearhead
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Roman; 40-140
- Material:
iron
- Measurements/duration:
- L 240 mm, W 43 mm (blade), T 18 mm, L 44 mm (socket) (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.