Bemerkungen zu Vorkommen, Verbreitung und Bedeutung überdimensionierter Lanzen der europäischen Eisenzeit

Abstract

On appearance, distribution and meaning of oversized lances from the European Iron Age

A lance head from Angermünde (Lkr. Uckermark), which can be dated typologically and typometrically, provides us with an example in the discussion on provenance, function and significance of a certain group of lance heads dating to the Late Iron Age. Since the Late Hallstatt period comparable lances have been known, sometimes in very rich graves, but also in contexts which suggest their actual use. Some of them can be interpreted as specialised arms of offence or standards; another group, however, seems hardly adequate for combative use and is missing in the respective contexts. Finally the function of such weapons as exchange goods is reviewed and the lances are emphasised as an important element in the process of social reproduction and in establishing far reaching contacts.