Roman Julius Caesar Sling Shot from the Battle of Munda 45 B.C. A biconical facetted lentoid-section sling lead shot (glans) specimen with inscription '[C] A [ES]' referencing Julius Caesar. Cf. D'Amato, R. and Sumner, G., Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier: From Marius to Commodus, 112 BC-AD 192, London, 2009, fig.32, p.45, for similar glandes from Zaragoza Museum, the one with the name of Pompey inscribed coming from Munda battlefield too; Schinco, G., Small, A.M., 'A previously unknown siege of Botromagno/Silvium: the evidence of slingshots from Gravina in Puglia (Provincia di Bari, Puglia)' in Papers of the British School at Rome, 2019, pp.1-52, figs.31, 37. 63.38 grams, 37mm (1 3/8 in.). Found near to an important village site, close to Seville, 1960-1970. From an old Spanish collection. Swiss private collection. Accompanied by a copy of the Spanish export licence. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 4th May 2022 and titled Roman Res Publica - Lead Slingshots (glandes) of Caesarian Age - 45 B.C circa. The sling shot (type IIb of the Völling classification) is marked with the abbreviated name of Julius Caesar; it was used in quantity at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against the last fellows of Pompey, the leaders of the Optimates, on the 17th March 45 BC. Similar shots were used in the civil war among Pompey and Caesar, and in all Caesar's wars. The funditores of Caesar's age were part of the light infantry. Caesar wrote of his Balearic slingers during the conquest of Gaul. They typically wore a short tunic, with leather or rope sandals, and a sort of overcoat. They used satchels to carry very deadly lead-like stones or bullets. The men employed several slings: one was tied around the head for quick deployment should the other break during the battle.
Price realized | 396 GBP |
Starting price | 400 GBP |
Estimate | 500 GBP |