Greek Hellenic Inscribed Lead Slingshot

Piriform in profile with a rounded base, and two circumferential bands on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 465 grams, 13.7 cm



From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

Of cylindrical shape, the upper section with alternating rectangular panels framed by pseudo-rope design and vertical rows of three prominent spikes, a short cylindrical shaft edged at top and bottom. 190 grams, 15.6 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

This weapon has been used in different ways, and it was probably considered the main tool in the Kassite civilisation because of the high number of maces found in this area. Bronze maces in Luristan possibly had wooden handles, although most of them unfortunately, have been eroded and severely deteriorated. According to Khorasani, such maces were realised with the lost-wax process.

Comprising a leaf-shaped lentoid-section blade and long tubular socket. 826 grams, 38.5 cm



Ex Hermann Historica, 7 October 2009, no.207 (Part). Private collection, Germany. Kept in the UK from 2016.