Hasta Pura

By Crusader1307

This Roman military award was given for military merit. This is little definition into it's qualifying factors for award. Some Period documentation cite "bravery on the battlefield" as on method. The device was made of wood in the shape of a Hasta Spear. No iron tip was attached (hence it's other name - The Weapon Without Iron"). It was generally awarded to the first soldier who struck down the first enemy in battle. It could be issued to civilians as well (but no documentation states just how). Some sources state that the Hasta Pura was also given to soldiers who had successfully completed their 25 years of service.