Ancient Greek Lead Sling Projectile with Trident of Poseidon






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Ancient Greek lead sling projectile of almond shape with a low-relief Trident of Poseidon, circa 3rd–1st century BC, measuring 3.1 cm by 1.6 cm, in Good condition and authentic as Original/official, from the Cambridge collection provenance (1990s) and acquired in 2000.
Description from the seller
An ancient Greek sling projectile cast from lead. The piece features an almond shape for the best aerodynamic efficiency. A low relief trident, symbol of Greek god of the seas, Poseidon, decorates one face of the projectile. The surface is worn and covered in patina and encrustation.
These small, aerodynamic projectiles, also known as ‘glandes’, were used by ancient Greek and Roman slingers. Cast in moulds, they often carried inscriptions or symbols linked to identity, insults or religion. Common examples included thunderbolts (associated with Zeus), laurel wreaths, names of the commanders and cities, or taunts such as ‘ΔΕΞΑΙ’ (which translates as ‘catch’ or ‘take this’). The dense weight of these projectiles gave them deadly speed and range in battle. Many archaeological finds of such items have been recovered in ancient battlefields, revealing tactics, troop movements, and ancient military communication.
Measurements: (circa) L 3.1cm - W 1.6cm
Provenance: Ex. Cambridge collection, 1990s.
Seller's Story
An ancient Greek sling projectile cast from lead. The piece features an almond shape for the best aerodynamic efficiency. A low relief trident, symbol of Greek god of the seas, Poseidon, decorates one face of the projectile. The surface is worn and covered in patina and encrustation.
These small, aerodynamic projectiles, also known as ‘glandes’, were used by ancient Greek and Roman slingers. Cast in moulds, they often carried inscriptions or symbols linked to identity, insults or religion. Common examples included thunderbolts (associated with Zeus), laurel wreaths, names of the commanders and cities, or taunts such as ‘ΔΕΞΑΙ’ (which translates as ‘catch’ or ‘take this’). The dense weight of these projectiles gave them deadly speed and range in battle. Many archaeological finds of such items have been recovered in ancient battlefields, revealing tactics, troop movements, and ancient military communication.
Measurements: (circa) L 3.1cm - W 1.6cm
Provenance: Ex. Cambridge collection, 1990s.
Seller's Story
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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.
