Sling
Specifications
- Type
- Ranged Projectile
- Origin
- Middle East / Mediterranean
- Era
- Neolithic, c. 10,000 BCE
- Notable Users
- Balearic slingers, biblical David, Roman auxiliaries
- Epoch
- Ancient Age
History
A deceptively simple weapon: two cords attached to a pouch, whirled overhead to hurl a stone or lead bullet at lethal velocity. A trained slinger could launch a projectile at speeds exceeding 100 mph, with an effective range surpassing that of most early bows. The Balearic Islanders were so renowned for their accuracy that they served as mercenaries across the ancient Mediterranean. Lead sling bullets from the Roman era have been found inscribed with taunts and curses.
Significance
Balearic slingers routinely outranged archers using a weapon that cost nothing to make. The sling proved something that keeps getting relearned throughout military history: cheap and well-trained beats expensive and mediocre.
54 Weapons. Five Epochs. One Poster.
The Sling is one of 9 weapons from the Ancient Age featured on the poster.
Get the Poster