Rafters have a tendency to flatten under gravity, thrusting outwards on the walls. Thrusting and slicing weapons for close quarters melee. Many swords are designed for both thrusting and slashing. It is square in shape thrusting skyward. Infantrymen and cavalrymen carried spears for thrusting and javelins for throwing. A dirk is a long thrusting dagger. The knife can be used for thrusting and slashing. Primarily for melee with sweeping, thrusting, and or hooking motions. However, its openings leave the hands vulnerable to thrusting attacks. "Hasta" is a Latin word meaning a thrusting spear. The woman has control over the rhythm and speed of her thrusting. Infantry could be armed with bows, slings, throwing spears, long swords, or thrusting spears. This greatly improved protection from stabbing and thrusting blows. It also affords much better protection against thrusting blows and pointed weapons. Penetration was extremely unlikely even with thrusting attacks.