David & Goliath: New Slingers

Alongside our three new character models, we are also pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new pack of miniatures, “The Slingers”. This pack consists of three miniatures, each equipped with a sling, one of the most ubiquitous weapons of the ancient world. These will add some much-needed firepower to your armies of Jewish rebels.

The sling was a common weapon in the ancient world among warriors and civilians alike, being used for hunting and combat. Many, if not most, archaeological excavations of sieges have unearthed sling shot, suggesting it’s use was widespread across a variety of military and non-military contexts. Most slings consisted of lengths of cord, or sometimes leather, making them simple to manufacture. Shot could be as simple as a rock picked up from the ground, although most of the time slingers would use prepared ammunition to ensure accuracy. Lead was also a common material used to produce shot, being cast and manufactured on a vast scale. In Israel thousands of lead shot have been found on the sites of several Jewish Revolt period sieges with Legion markings stamped into them, demonstrating that their use was quite common amongst Roman forces.

The impact of a sling shot on unprotected flesh would be hideous, breaking bones and ripping into muscle. Even armour provided little protection, the speed and mass of the projectile acting like an ancient form of bullet. Even if the armour remained intact, the impact could still break bones. As well as the physical impact, there are suggestions that slingshot could be modified to magnify its psychological effect. On some Early Imperial Roman sites in Scotland for example, slingshot has been found with a hole drilled through the middle. When tested by experimental archaeologists such ammunition produces a ghostly whistling sound, undoubtedly unnerving to those on the receiving end. The range of ancient slings is also impressive, generally estimated to be up to 400 metres, well beyond that of a typical bow.

The ease with which slings and their ammunition could be manufactured made it a popular weapon throughout the ancient world, including for the Jewish rebels. While still requiring skill to use effectively, it would be an ideal weapon for the would-be rebel.