hasta
The hasta (hastae) was the spear carried by early Roman legionaries, for which the Roman soldiers known as hastati were named. In later republican times, the hastati were re-armed with pila and gladii, and the hasta was only retained by the triarii. The hasta would also be reintroduced in the Late Roman army in conjunction with the spatha.
Also recorded as pike
hasta
- Field
- cold weapon · spear
- Region
- Ancient Rome
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Documentary summary
The hasta (hastae) was the spear carried by early Roman legionaries, for which the Roman soldiers known as hastati were named. In later republican times, the hastati were re-armed with pila and gladii, and the hasta was only retained by the triarii. The hasta would also be reintroduced in the Late Roman army in conjunction with the spatha.
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wikipedia incomplete · checked 25 September 2026
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Authority files
gnd · 1095823116 · wikidata · Q1076351
In this article
Hasta pura
Hasta pura
Unlike the pilum, verutum and lancea, the hasta was not thrown, but used for thrusting. It was about 2.4 m in length, with a shaft generally made from ash, while the head was of iron. Hasta also referred to a spear that was a gymnastic weapon. The hasta praepilata was a spear with its point either covered by a ball or muffled. This type of spear was used by soldiers during training.
The hasta pura was a spear used in the Roman army as a military decoration for a soldier that distinguished himself in battle.
Hasta caelibaris
Hasta caelibaris
The hasta caelibaris ("celibate spear") was used during weddings to dress the bride's hair, like a ritual hairpin.
Hasta pampina
Hasta pampina
The hasta pampina was another name for the thyrsus of Bacchus, with the point of the spear was buried in vine leaves.
Hasta publica
Hasta publica
A hasta publica was a spear used to convey that a public auction was taking place. Hence, an auction room was called a hastarium.
Hasta graminea
Hasta graminea
The hasta graminea was a spear made of an Indian reed that was used in statues of Minerva.
Post-Roman era
Post-Roman era
The loanwords of Latin word hasta still exists in some languages used in regions that were previously part of the Roman Empire. For example, it is used French with the spelling haste and, and Italian and Spanish with the spelling asta. Other languages also used a modified form or meaning such as Albanian (heshtë, "spear").
Definition
Definition
Institutional cataloguing adds that hasta is classified as a cold weapon or spear.
Catalogued output
Recorded examples
The following works and productions are recorded by name or by count.
Holdings and documentation
Where the work is held
Holdings and documentation
Institutional holdings are recorded as follows.
Documents and archives
Primary material
Documents and archives
authority file
- Gemeinsame Normdatei 1095823116, Hasta donatica.
Unverified · Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
reference work
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q1076351: hasta
Reputable secondary · Wikidata
Citations
References
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authority file
Gemeinsame Normdatei 1095823116, Hasta donatica.Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
Partially resolvedreference work
Partially resolved
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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