Javelin
This weapon was basically the Greek hoplite's backup weapon. Typically, the Greeks would use their thrusting spear first, if lost, then they would use their javelins (throwing spears).
The picture above is of a peltast. They lived in and around Greece, and they used the same phalanx formation as did the Greeks.
In medieval warfare, the javelin was considered a light ranged throwing weapon. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand, but straps were attached to the throwers arm to increase standoff power.
In medieval warfare, the javelin was considered a light ranged throwing weapon. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand, but straps were attached to the throwers arm to increase standoff power.