robert drews argues that massed infantry used newly developed weapons and armor.192ff cast rather than forged spearheads and long swords, a revolutionizing cut-and-thrust weapon, and javelins were used. the appearance of bronze foundries suggests "that mass production of bronze artifacts was suddenly important in the aegean". for example, homer uses "spears" as a virtual synonym for "warrior", suggesting the continued importance of the spear in combat.