A selection of Hellenistic Greek arrowheads made from bronze. Each comprises a lanceolate bilobate blade which is socketed, with the blade featuring a prominent flange midrib. This midrib extends into the socket and protruding spurs, which curve down from the tops of the conoid sockets (although the tips of some spurs have broken off over time).
Date: 4th – 3rd Century BC Period: Hellenistic Period Condition: Very fine condition. Dark green patina and minor encrustations over the whole of each arrowhead. The tips of the spurs have broken off in some instances.
Arrows were integral to ancient Greek warfare throughout the sprawling history of this civilisation, with arrowheads of this type in use at major battles like Plataea and Thermopylae. While the formation-based phalanx movement is perhaps the most famous element of Greek warfare, arrows and archers were often used in attempt to pierce the phalanx itself.
Bilobate (two-sided) blades enjoyed widespread use from the seventh century in the Near East, before appearing in Greece and Egypt. They predated the trilobate type (three sided arrowheads), which inflicted bodily damage more effectively.
Reference: Malloy, A. G., Weapons. Ancient and Medieval Art and Antiquities, 1994, plate XIV, no. 114; Petrie, W. M. F., Tools and Weapons, 1917, plate XLI, no. 135.
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