ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Pilum

Okay kiddo, so let's talk about something called a pilum. A pilum is a type of weapon that was used by ancient Roman soldiers a very long time ago. It was a long spear-like weapon that was made up of two parts, a wooden handle and a metal pointy end.

Now, the metal pointy end was actually made in a really special way. It had a long, thin shank that was designed to bend or warp if it hit a shield or armor. This might sound a little strange, but it was actually a really good thing because it meant that the pilum would get stuck in the shield or armor of the enemy, making it really difficult for them to move around and fight back.

After the pilum was thrown, the Roman soldiers would then switch to their swords or other weapons and charge into battle. The pilum was really important because it helped weaken the enemy's defenses and make them easier to defeat.

So, that's pretty much the basics of what a pilum is. It was a weapon used by Roman soldiers a long time ago and was designed to bend when it hit an enemy's shield or armor, making it harder for them to fight back.