XYSTON

'Xyston' (Greek "spear", "javelin") was a type of a long thrusting lance in ancient Greece. It measured about 3.5-4.25 meter long and was probably held by the cavalryman with both hands. The ''xyston'' is usually mentioned in context with the ''Hetairoi'', the '"Companions"' cavalry forces of the ancient Macedonian army. After Alexander the Great's death the Macedonian cavalry was named ''Xystophoroi'' (''Xystophoros'' in singular, literally "spear-bearer") because of its use of the ''xyston'' lance. In his Greek written Bellum Judaicum, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus use the term ''Xyston'' to describe the Roman throwing javelin, the ''Pilum''.

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See also

See also

★ Sarissa

★ Doru

★ Pole weapon

★ Companion cavalry

★ Ancient Macedonian military

★ Hellenistic armies