c. 323-31 BC. Hellenistic. Huge iron spearhead with leaf-shaped blade, prominent midrib, flaring shoulder and circular socket. The Hellenistic period, which runs from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the battle of Actium is 31 BC, was an era in which Greek-speaking peoples controlled much of the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia as far as present-day Afghanistan. Hellenistic armies were typically armed with the sarissa, a long spear or pike with a handle about 4–6 metres (13–20 ft) in length, and a heavy metal head of the kind represented by this example. Excellent condition; on a custom-made stand.Size: L:720mm / W:36mm ; 550g; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970s then passed by descent.