Ancient Greek Lead Sling bullet with animal
Starting bid
€ 1
Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 137232 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
ITEM: Sling bullet with animal
MATERIAL: Lead
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th - 2nd Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 33 mm x 18 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired before 2000s
Greek sling bullets, also known as "glandes" (singular: glans), were small, often egg-shaped projectiles used with slings by ancient Greek soldiers. These bullets were typically made of lead, although stone and clay examples have also been found. Lead was preferred due to its density, which allowed the bullets to travel farther and with more force than those made from lighter materials. The use of slings and sling bullets dates back to ancient times, but they became particularly significant in Greek warfare from the 5th century BCE onwards, used by specialized troops known as slingers or "sphendonetes."
The design of Greek sling bullets was often quite sophisticated, with many bullets bearing inscriptions or symbols. Inscriptions could include the names of the city-state or military unit, the names of commanders, or messages intended to demoralize the enemy, such as "take that" or "catch this." Some bullets were even crafted in the shape of acorns or almonds to enhance their aerodynamic properties. The addition of such inscriptions and designs not only served practical purposes in identifying and intimidating foes but also provided a psychological edge in battle, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Greek soldiers.
Sling bullets played a crucial role in various military engagements throughout Greek history, particularly in skirmishes and sieges where ranged attacks were advantageous. The effectiveness of slings was notable in their ability to strike enemies at a distance, penetrate armor, and cause significant injuries or fatalities. Slingers were valued members of Greek armies and often operated alongside archers and infantry, contributing to the tactical flexibility and overall combat effectiveness of Greek forces.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Sling bullet with animal
MATERIAL: Lead
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th - 2nd Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 33 mm x 18 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex German private collection, acquired before 2000s
Greek sling bullets, also known as "glandes" (singular: glans), were small, often egg-shaped projectiles used with slings by ancient Greek soldiers. These bullets were typically made of lead, although stone and clay examples have also been found. Lead was preferred due to its density, which allowed the bullets to travel farther and with more force than those made from lighter materials. The use of slings and sling bullets dates back to ancient times, but they became particularly significant in Greek warfare from the 5th century BCE onwards, used by specialized troops known as slingers or "sphendonetes."
The design of Greek sling bullets was often quite sophisticated, with many bullets bearing inscriptions or symbols. Inscriptions could include the names of the city-state or military unit, the names of commanders, or messages intended to demoralize the enemy, such as "take that" or "catch this." Some bullets were even crafted in the shape of acorns or almonds to enhance their aerodynamic properties. The addition of such inscriptions and designs not only served practical purposes in identifying and intimidating foes but also provided a psychological edge in battle, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Greek soldiers.
Sling bullets played a crucial role in various military engagements throughout Greek history, particularly in skirmishes and sieges where ranged attacks were advantageous. The effectiveness of slings was notable in their ability to strike enemies at a distance, penetrate armor, and cause significant injuries or fatalities. Slingers were valued members of Greek armies and often operated alongside archers and infantry, contributing to the tactical flexibility and overall combat effectiveness of Greek forces.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Greek
Century/timeframe
4th - 2nd Century B.C
Name of object
Sling bullet with animal
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
