re: Medieval battles

The traditional Roman legionaries we always think of had two throwing javelins called pilliums and the gladius. The Roman legionaries rarely used spears in battle because their tactics had little need for it. They'd throw their piliums and then when they made contact with the enemy, they'd let the enemy beat of their shields, wearing themselves out while the Romans stabbed upwards, ripping their stomachs out.

But the gladius was pretty short. Almost like a dagger.

They did give spears called hasta to their auxiliaries