The
Sling is an ancient projectile weapon used to hurl stones or weights long distances. It was the Long-Range weapon of the Gladiator and the Celt
Description
The sling is simply two cords (in this case, braided wool) attached to a small pouch. One of the cords ends in a loop which fits over the finger, while the other ends in a knot which is held. The projectiles used were most commonly stones, or sometimes lead weights.
Use
The sling was a low-status weapon, cheap and easy to make. It was commonly used for hunting, fending off wild animals, and warfare. The projectile is placed into the pouch and the user swings it around several times. The cords are released and the projectile is launched forward. Because of its simplicity, the sling was one of the most commonly used weapons in the ancient world. Virtually every ancient army used slingers to some degree. In Celtic warfare, slings were used over more advanced and accurate projectile weapons because the Celts saw long-range combat as being cowardly. The most famous account of the sling's use in ancient warfare is from the Holy Bible. David, an unarmored sheperd boy, used the sling to kill the Phillistine giant Goliath with a single shot to the forehead, demonstrating that while it may be a low-status weapon, in the hands of an expert, it was not to be underestimated. In modern times, it is still used by rioters, survivalists, or competitive slingers.
Specs
GLADIATOR
Length: 2 feet
Weight: Under 1 pound
Composition: Braided wool and leather
CELT
Range: 220 yards
Sling length: 5 feet
Stone length: 3 inches
Composition: Braided cord and leather