Roman Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group
3rd-4th century A.D. Comprising eight caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und die Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch-Altenburg, 2017, item 204, for type.494 grams total, 83-92 mm (3 1/4 - 3 5/8 in.). Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73? 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'. [8, No Reserve]