It was usually about 8 feet long and called the dory. At one end of the spear there was a point and at the other end there was a leaf-shaped spearhead. It had two sides to attack in case the main killing end was broken, namely the leaf-shaped head. The spike could be used in its place to ward off enemies or simply stuck into the ground for standing. The spear was meant to be wielded with one hand, so the shield could be held with the other. For most people it would take two hands to pick up the heavy spear, but not for a Spartan.