Dory (spear)

Dory, neuter plural in the Attic Dorata, in Epic and Ionic Dourata (Greek: δόρυ, plural: δόρατα or δούρατα ), refers to a Greek spear that was used in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.

Description and Use

The Dory was a 2-3 foot spear, which was equipped with a leaf-shaped iron tip. The wood used was relatively thin and therefore only 1 to 2 kilos. At the end was a weight made ​​of copper, whereby the spear remained in balance, even if you did not raise it in the middle.

It was used by hoplites in the phalanx formation, which was effective especially against riders. Compared to the Sarissa Dory was much lighter and easier.

The big drawback was that this spear was not particularly robust. He broke when they were fighting in open formations during the battle often from.

History

The Dory was in the 3rd century BC in Greece popular. Then this spear was also used as a weapon in the Balkans and in the Greek colonies. He was ousted in the 2nd century of the Sarissa.