Verutum

The verutum, plural veruta (Latin: spit), was a short javelin used in the Roman army.

This javelin was used by the velites for skirmishing purposes, unlike the heavier pilum, which was used by the hastati and principes for weakening the enemy before advancing into close combat.

The verutum had either an iron shank like the pilum or a tapering metal head.

During the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Roman light infantry (velites) would carry seven veruta into combat.

It proved to be quite an effective weapon, even against war elephants as proven in the battle of Zama.