Throwing a Pilum - How far can a Pro throw?

The Roman pilum is the javelin that everyone associated with Legionaries and with good reason, it was used for hundreds of battles and skirmishes. But how far can it be thrown and what does it do when it gets there? We need to find out, so borrowed some pilum, built a throwing machine and recruited an experienced thrower to set the distance. I contacted Oxford University Athletics Club and recruited a Team GB javelin thrower, Michael Allison to throw and establish a reference distance; and boy can he throw! Thanks very much to the club for allowing me to film there. Michael’s Insta page is here Oxford University Athletics Club Insta page can be found here If you are interested in custom medieval reproduction weaponry then visit If you are interested in properly made medieval knives, daggers and maces this site will interest you Merch can be found here Many thanks to Adam whom I borrowed the Pilum from - much appreciated.