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LOT 1188
Roman Iron Anti-Cavalry Caltrop
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
2 7/8 in. (24 grams, 73 mm).
Composed of four arms tipped with triangular spikes.
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market around 2000s.
From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und die Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch-Altenburg, 2017, item 204, for type.
FootnotesCaltrops 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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AUCTIONS:
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This short sword or dagger belongs to the category of blades with pennanular guard, with hilt and guard cast in one piece with the grip. Negahban excavated similar weapons from the Marlik cemeteries. Often this type combines grip and penannular guard with flanged hilts open to accept inlays. -
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