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Artifact: Slingshot Projectiles Location Discovered: Jerusalem Date: c. 1200 B.C. - 100 A.D. Material: Lead & Stone Small Stone Length: 1.125 - 1.625 inches Large Stone Diameter: 2.125 inches |
These stone and lead sling projectiles were unearthed near Jerusalem. The large, rounded stone is an earlier projectile and was likely used between 1200 and 300 B.C. The small, elongated projectiles are Greek or Roman in origin and were probably used between 340 B.C. and 100 A.D. An authentic, bedouin-made replica sling is included alongside the projectiles for visual reference and is likely similar to those used in ancient Israel. The sling was a common weapon of the ancient world and was used for several thousand years. It was cheap to produce and was valued for its long range. Many ancient armies included a number of trained slingers used as light infantry.
The most famous slinger in history is undoubtedly King David. As a boy, David gained fame throughout the land of Israel when he killed Goliath, a giant Philistine champion, with a single sling shot, recorded in 1 Samuel 17. Slingers likely played an important role in the Israelite army. The land of Israel was covered with difficult terrain perfectly suited for light infantry, such as slingers. As slingers became a more established unit in ancient armies, projectiles were specially made to increase the sling's lethality. The small, elongated projectiles are evidence of the development of standardized, lethal sling projectiles (1).
The most famous slinger in history is undoubtedly King David. As a boy, David gained fame throughout the land of Israel when he killed Goliath, a giant Philistine champion, with a single sling shot, recorded in 1 Samuel 17. Slingers likely played an important role in the Israelite army. The land of Israel was covered with difficult terrain perfectly suited for light infantry, such as slingers. As slingers became a more established unit in ancient armies, projectiles were specially made to increase the sling's lethality. The small, elongated projectiles are evidence of the development of standardized, lethal sling projectiles (1).
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(1) Robert L. O'Connell, Soul of the Sword: An Illustrated History of Weaponry and Warfare from Prehistory to the Present (New York: Free Press, 2002), 26.
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