Description
Hardened by years of both inter-tribal combat and contact with enemies further afield, the most talented German warriors thus earned high status within their tribes. Whilst iron supplies were scarce, these men were privileged enough to equip themselves with lengthy spears, or 'framea', tipped with narrow, sharp points of iron. Whereas the framea was used for fighting at close quarters, lighter javelins were also carried to be hurled from a distance prior to melee. The taller and stronger the man, the bigger the spear he could carry; this established status, not only within the tribe, but also when facing the enemy.
