Description: Parthian Empire | AE Arrowhead Reference: Montilla 524 Date: c. 250 BCE-225 CE Blade Classification: Solid trilobate Point Shape: Lanceolate Socket: Long conical Stem: Medium-Long Barbs: None Size: 32.3 mm Weight: 3.63 grams This ancient Parthian bronze arrowhead is identifiable from its solid trilobate and angular shape, and its long socket. These arrowheads are distinctly Parthian and are rarely found in Roman cities in the Levant and are not found at all in the African or European Roman world. Arrowheads like these would've been used in the famous "Parthian shot" tactic. While performing a real or feigned retreat at full gallop, Parthian horse archers would turn their bodies back to shoot at the pursuing enemy. The maneuver required superb equestrian skills, since the rider's hands were occupied by his composite bow and his body was twisted around. As the stirrup had not been invented at the time of the Parthians, the rider relied solely on squeezing pressure from his legs to stay mounted and guide his horse. Years ago, when I won a former Wake Forest professor's collection of ancient bronze arrowheads at auction I was immediately hooked (arrowheads from this collection are not for sale...yet). How could I resist? Unfortunately, identifying or attributing ancient bronze arrowheads is relatively difficult compared to coins or North American flint. This is largely due to the scarcity of synthesized reference material. Most information is scattered throughout dense archaeological reports from different journals that non-academics don't have easy access too. Luckily for us, Joseph T. Sermarini over at FORVM has put together a wonderful reference guide, and Carsten Rau has written a useful book on European bronze arrowheads that I encourage the curious to check out. When it comes to ancient bronze arrowheads, its important to stress the evolutionary nature of their typology. While a particular arrowhead may match a Greek typology introduced c. 500 BCE, a similar type may have been produced by Roman auxilliaries c. 100 BCE. Without knowing the exact archaeological context of a particular point, it cannot be said with certainty if it belongs to a pre-Roman or Roman period. For example, types very similar to Greek socketed bilobates are often found in Roman sites in Spain. Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only If you purchase multiple items please message me before you pay and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!
Price: 34.99 USD
Location: Canton, Michigan
End Time: 2025-01-13T01:35:58.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
Composition: Bronze
Year: 250 BC-225 AD
Era: Ancient
Variety: Parthian Empire
