Roman Lead Sling Bullet

The Roman Empire, c. 100-400AD.

Fascinating, roughly cast small-sized lead sling bullet. A sling is a projectile weapon typically used to throw a blunt projectile such as a stone, clay, or lead. In a Roman era the best sling ammunition was made from lead. Lead sling bullets were small and difficult to see in flight. Sling bullets were made in a variety of shapes including an ellipsoidal form closely resembling an acorn; possibly the origin of the Latin word for lead sling bullet, glandes plumbeae (literally leaden acorns) or simply glandes (meaning acorns, singular glans). Balearic slingers were amongst the specialist mercenaries extensively employed by Carthage against the Romans and other enemies. These light troops used three sizes of sling, according to the distance of their opponents. The weapons were made of vegetable fibre and animal sinew, launching either stones or lead missiles with devastating impact.

Ancient sling bullet are in good condition. Age-related wear, abrasion and heavy encrusted patina. Size approx. 2,5cm x 1,2cm x 1,4cm.

Provenance: Dutch private collection