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Details

LOT 1094

Roman Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group

3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.

3 1/4 - 3 5/8 in. (494 grams total, 83-92 mm).

Comprising eight caltrops, hand-forged with square-section spikes. [8, No Reserve]

Provenance

Acquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father.
Property of a London, UK, collector.

Literature

Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und die Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch-Altenburg, 2017, item 204, for type.

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'.

CONDITION

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AUCTIONS:

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LOT 1094

Roman Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop Group

Sold for (Inc. bp): £338

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