When archeologists first uncovered the Plumbata, they assumed Roman Legionnaires originated the game of darts. No, not really. But I had you going for a moment, didn't I? These throwing darts were actually a common battle tool for the Roman Army, not unlike their much longer cousin, the Pilum. The Plumbata got its name from being lead-weighted  (plumbum = lead.) But in compliance with a bunch of laws, ours aren't pure lead, so purists better look elsewhere!