Angon

The angon (Medieval Greek ἄγγων, Old High German ango, Old English anga "hook, point, spike") is a type of javelin that was used during the Early Middle Ages by the Anglo-Saxons, Franks, Goths, and other Germanic peoples.^[1] It was similar to, and probably derived from, the pilum used by the Roman army and had a barbed head and long narrow socket or shank made of iron mounted on a wooden haft.^[1][2][3]

It was rare on the battlefield,^[4] despite the claim by the Greek historian Agathias,^[5] being found mostly in the grave goods of the wealthy.^[4] The Fragmentary Chronicle of Saragossa credits an ango with killing King Amalaric of the Visigoths.^[4] By the 7th century it had ceased to be used.^[4] It also went out of fashion, together with other forms of throwing spears and javelins, in Francia, by the early 7th century.^[6]

They are found in abundance in war graves in Illerup-Ådal, Denmark. They are also quite common in Norwegian graves from the Migration Era. In Finland, a local version of the weapon was popular during the Early Middle Ages.^[7]

Although not very frequent in the Baltic countries, examples have also been found at various sites in Estonia, including burial sites at Sõrve and Hinniala.^[8]