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Back to previous pageLOT 1058
Estimate
GBP (£) 100 - 140
EUR (€) 120 - 160
USD ($) 130 - 190
11TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 - 2 1/2 in. (33 grams total, 62-64 mm).
Each with four arms tipped with triangular spikes. [2]
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the German art market before 2000.
Property of a Surrey, UK, collector.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Tsurtsumia, M., 'Tribolos, a Byzantine Landmine in Byzantion, 2012, pp.413-422, fig.1, for identical specimen
FOOTNOTES:
Caltrops were scattered on battlefields in an effort to stop or slow advancing enemy cavalry or foot soldiers; regardless of how a caltrop lands, one spike is always facing upwards. Caesar used widely them at Alesia (Caes., BG 7.73; 82): 'Stakes a foot long, with iron hooks attached to them, were entirely sunk in the ground before these, and were planted in every place at small intervals; these they called spurs'.
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