Brief Description:  A medieval throwing spear, or javelin, was a lightweight polearm designed for aerodynamic flight rather than melee combat. It typically featured a balanced wooden shaft, a sharp aerodynamic metal head, and often a weighted balance point. Soldiers carried multiple javelins, hurling them in volleys to break enemy formations before closing the distance.

The most recognizable variants of the throwing spear during and transitioning into the medieval period include:

The Angon: Closely resembling the Roman pilum, this weapon was about 6 feet long and featured a slender iron neck behind a barbed, razor-sharp head. On impact, the iron shank would bend, making the weapon impossible to throw back and rendering enemy shields cumbersome or entirely useless.

The Dart / Plumbata: Small, weighted throwing darts often carried by foot soldiers. They were designed for quick, snapping throws to harass unarmored targets.

The Framea: A lighter thrusting and throwing spear commonly used by Germanic tribes. It had a narrow, sharp iron head and was highly effective in skirmishes.