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Slingstones at Masada (Read 683 times)
Thearos
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Slingstones at Masada
Feb 9th, 2020 at 12:55pm
 
J. Magness, Masada (2019), p. 11: lots of slingstones found in the Roman camp F, in heaps next to the individual tents of the 8 men units. At least that's what she things the big round pebbles specially brought there (and not removed when camp evacuated).

If true, I suppose the idea is that Roman legionaries had, in camp, ammo dumps next to each tent (=8 men). In case of alarm, when running to arms, every man could if need be, grab at least one big smooth stone, and if need be, throw it or sling it at attackers

Lots of arrow heads found int he siegeworks but not slingstones, I think. No ballista bolts either but Magness thinks the Roman collected them (just like they collected arrows)
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Kick
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Re: Slingstones at Masada
Reply #1 - Feb 9th, 2020 at 1:11pm
 
Makes sense. Somewhat similar to setting up rifles ready to grab if need be. I remember hearing that each legionnaire would have a sling and I can see how everyone having a sling would be the cheapest, easiest ranged weapon for everyone to have on them at all times. Bows and arrows can be bulky hanging around a camp but a sling would just be an arm band or headband.
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