Nydam and Illerup spearhead -- myArmoury.com

Magin Hard · Posted: Thu 07 Jul, 2011 11:25 am Post subject: Nydam and Illerup spearhead

Hello guys,

I am looking for specific fotos and information from javelin heads that have been found at Nydam and Illerup.

Till J. Lodemann · Posted: Fri 08 Jul, 2011 12:23 am Post subject:

Are you looking for these kind of javelin heads?
There are several different types of javelin heads in Nydam and Illerup, as there are several different offerings in each bog.
Again, I would have to look into the books in the library. I guess I can post some nice line drawings of different types next week.

Have you already read this thread about lanceheads?
http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=23277

T. Arndt · Posted: Fri 08 Jul, 2011 1:52 pm Post subject:

Wow- the tip on the far left is beautifully persevered!

When I read javelin, I automaticly think Roman pilum. I am aware of some Norse use as well. Were javlins used in the high or late middle ages? I would have thought javlins would have been useful from horse back against later infantry such as pikemen who lacked shields.

I didn't find much searching and I don't recall any mention in Oakeshott's Archeology of Weapons.

Magin Hard · Posted: Sat 09 Jul, 2011 2:25 am Post subject:

Todeman, than k you very much. That´s just what I was looking for. Very nice picture. I am very curious about the line drawings. Do you also have measurements of the points?

The thread about the javelin heads is also very nice. But the javelin heads are just before the timeframe that we have (300-600). Maybe you have a source about lanceheads from the migration era?

Thanks!

Arne Focke · Industry Professional

This book (http://www.amazon.com/Illerup-Adal-Jutland-Ar...amp;sr=8-3) is the one you'll be looking for concerning all lances and spears (javelins) found at Illerup Ådal.
There is also Danish version, alas no English one.

And there is also the so called "curry volumes" (in reference to its color) "Der Opferplatz von Nydam" by Güde and Jan Bemman, which contains most of the Nydam weapons. Alas again no English version that I know of.

Despite the language barrier the books should still be useful to you, since they contain tons of pictures (Photos in the Illerup volume, detailed drawings in the Nydam ones).

There is one English volume about Illerup Ådal in English, but it is more a broad overview, I doubt that you will find what you are looking for to that extent that you would be satisfied.
http://www.amazon.de/Illerup-Adal-Archaeology...8787334372

@T. Arndt
If you think those are well preserved you should see the ones from Illerup. Many are just a bit grey, but you could still mount them on a piece of wood and charge into battle. ;)