Like the other form of convex shield, it could be slung at the back, and was so carried on marches, on crossing rivers, and other similar occasions.
The offensive arms certainly used by the Assyrians were the bow, the spear, the sword, the mace, the sling, the axe or hatchet, and the dagger.

They may also have occasionally made use of the javelin, which is sometimes seen among the arrows of a quiver.

But the actual employment of this weapon in war has not yet been found upon the bas-reliefs.

If faithfully represented, it must have been very short,--scarcely, if at all, exceeding three feet.

[PLATE CIII., Fig.
2.] Assyrian bows were of two kinds, curved and angular.