1. Introduction

While many arrow heads have survived, very few examples of fletching and the actual arrow shafts remain. Two major finds are from Dura Europos and the Roman Meroitic remains (although there are references in James to arrow finds from Nahal Tse'elim and Masada) . The objective here is to compare these fletchings and arrow shafts; and to draw out some interim conclusions regarding how far these arrows can shed light on others. Having been fortunate enough to examine the Roman Meroitic arrows at first hand, I would like to thank Dr Neal Spencer of the Egyptian section for his invaluable help in allowing the huge privilege of access.

2. Dura Europos background

Dura Europos was a city on the Middle Euphrates in present day Syria. It was founded by the Macedonians, ruled by the Parthians and annexed by the Romans. In 255/6 AD, the Roman garrison was besieged in the city by a Sassanian army. From this period comes an astonishing assembly of items- wooden shields, horse armour, which, when found could be placed on a horse, bolt quarrels, and many other items of military and civilian equipment- including arrows. Simon James's book "Final Report VII: The Arms and Armour and other Military Equipment" cannot be recommended highly enough, and this article draws on it heavily.

3. Qasr Ibrim background

Qasr Ibrim (Arabic, castle of Ibrim, with linguistic link to Castra) is located in Lower Nubia in modern day Sudan. Under Augustus, a Roman garrison was stationed there under prefect Gaius Petronius who defeated a Meroitic army after their invasion of Lower Nubia in 24 BC. Finds include quarrels from bolt-shooters, and artillery balls; some with slogans identifying the century and one identifying the targeted enemy leader!

4. Comparison of arrows

5. Conclusions

These arrows show a remarkable amount of overlap- parabolically fletched, binding at the nock end, crested using colour combinations. The material (wood/ reed) may also reflect both local materials and manufacturing preference.

A key question is how far it is possible to extend these arrows to other parts of the Roman Empire. Certainly, Dura Europos and Qasr Ibrim were "outposts of Empire" - though from a Roman perspective, no further from the centre than Hadrian's Wall.
James notes "one of the most striking characteristics of the Dura assemblage is the degree to which so much of it matches finds from other Roman frontiers, not only in general form, but often in the finest details…near-identical to, and often indistinguishable from, discoveries made at other Roman sites as far away as Scotland and Mauretania." Having said that, an arrow would be very dependent on what was available locally. Secondly, a Mediterranean draw would involve a different design- particularly a longer distance between fletching and nock.

In terms of reconstructing a Roman arrow, my conclusion would therefore be that there is evidence for an arrow that is:-

• Made of wood, reed or combined wood/ reed
• Parabolic fletching stuck on with glue alone
• Binding or whipping between nock and fletching
• Decorated nock using black, white, or red paint (also known as cresting - used today to identify arrows belonging to a particular archer)
• Iron, copper alloy or sharpened wood point
• Two or three blade heads