Explore

The World

Roman Civil War Sling Bullet Found in Spain

Spain Roman Sling BulletANDALUSIA, SPAIN—ZME Science reports that a moulded lead sling bullet bearing the letters CAES, the abbreviated name of Julius Caesar, has been uncovered in southern Spain. The opposite side of the projectile bears the letters IPSCA, thought to represent an unknown Roman town in the region. The ammunition has been dated to around 45 B.C., and Caesar’s final victory over Pompey at the Battle of Munda. The inscription suggests that the town may have supplied Caesar with ammunition, and possibly troops to sling the bullets. Read the original scholarly article about this research in Zephyrus. To read about slingshot bullets unearthed at Pompeii, go to "Weapons of the Ancient World: Siege Weapons."