Xyston

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Xyston (Greek: Ξυστόν, English translation: spear, javelin; English translation: pointed stick, goad) was a type of a long thrusting lance in ancient Greece. It measured about 3.5-4.25 meters long and was probably held by the cavalryman with both hands. It had a traditional wooden shaft and metallic tip, with a tapered butt. The xyston is usually mentioned in context with the Hetairoi (Greek: Εταίροι), the cavalry forces of ancient Macedon. After Alexander the Great's death the Hetairoi were named Xystophoroi (Greek: "Ξυστοφόροι", English translation: "spear-bearer") because of their use of the xyston lance. In his Greek-written Bellum Judaicum, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus uses the term xyston to describe the Roman throwing javelin, the pilum.

The xyston was wielded either underarm or overarm, presumably as a matter of personal preference.

[edit] References

• LSJ - Xyston from xyô (scrape), hence xylon (wood).

[edit] See also

• Sarissa
• Doru
• Pole weapon
• Companion cavalry
• Ancient Macedonian military
• Hellenistic armies

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