Sauroter. Spear butt for Macedonian sarissa.
In the ancient world, shafted weapons such as spears often had a spear butt on the lower end, known as a sauroter (literally, “lizard killer”). Hoplite spears, for example, usually had a bronze one.
This steel spear butt, however, was intended for another type of weapon: the sarissa, the famous pike wielded by Alexander the Great and his successors. The sarissa was wielded with both hands, with the shield simply held in the hand and slung over the spear.
Given the length of this weapon, which could reach up to 6-7 meters, a spear tip was essential to act as a counterweight and allow it to be maneuvered effectively.
This sarissa sauroter is a faithful replica of one of these tips: an excellent choice for a Hellenistic reenactor wishing to build their own sarissa.
