The remarkable find occurred in an old Grecian city located in Israel. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark
Add us as preferred source Comments
An antique “projectile” bearing an engraving, which scientists infer to be a message intended for its unfortunate target, has been unearthed. The lead object, measuring 1.3 inches in length, is believed to have been utilized in a slingshot, a weapon employed by the Ancient Greeks during combat.
Warriors using a slingshot could propel this dense piece of metal, approximately 45 grams in weight, across distances reaching about 1,000 metres. This effectively served as a rudimentary antecedent to the modern bullet. Impact from this airborne metal fragment could lead to severe injury or fatality, as adept slingshot users were capable of launching these projectiles at speeds approaching 100mph.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
This unique relic of bygone warfare was discovered by archaeologists affiliated with the University of Haifa, based in Israel. Their work was conducted at the site of Hippos (also recognised as Sussita), a city erected nearly 2,000 years ago near the inland Sea of Galilee.
The surprising element for investigators is the presence of a message addressed to the individual struck by the projectile. Carved into the lead in Ancient Greek are the words, “Learn your lesson”.
Read more: Seismic discovery as world’s oldest nursing home uncovered in ancient Christi…
Read more: ‘Exceptional’ discovery of ancient blade factory confirms key part of the Bible
According to Live Science, the Greek characters ΜΑΘΟΥ are etched onto the lead. The researchers involved in the study have interpreted this inscription as a derivation of the Greek term “mathaíno,” which translates to “learn.” They propose that the specific spelling suggests an imperative form, roughly equivalent to “Learn your lesson”.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Michael Eisenberg, an archaeologist from the University of Haifa, stated, “Sling lead projectiles of this kind are widely documented in archaeological studies across diverse sites from the Hellenistic era, notably the second century BCE … however, this marks the first instance globally of an inscription reading ‘Learn’.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“This exemplifies the local biting humour of the city’s defenders, who aimed to impart a lesson to their adversaries with a touch of irony.”
Eisenberg and his collaborators published their findings on March 10 in the publication Palestine Exploration Quarterly.
The report elucidates: “The artefact was located using a metal detector within the Southern Necropolis, adjacent to the Sussita Stream’s course, where an ancient route once traversed.
“The projectile, in all likelihood fired by the city’s garrison against approaching assailants, features the Greek letters ΜΑΘΟΥ.
“This hitherto undocumented inscription can be understood as a derisive command directed at the opposition, ‘learn your lesson’. This discovery augments the existing assemblage of 69 lead sling projectiles discovered at Hippos.”
The day’s biggest headlines in UK and World news and more Subscribe Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The report further stated: “The inscribed projectile, alongside other slingshots unearthed at the location, might have been deployed in the various conflicts involving Hippos during the Hellenistic epoch.
“The initial instance occurred before the city’s establishment, during the Ptolemaic dynasty, when a fort resided atop the hill. It fell during the Battle of Paneion, around 199BC, to the Seleucids, who later founded the polis of Hippos at this site.”