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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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Very Large Viking Iron Battle Notched Axehead
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Canaanite Bronze Dirk
13th-12th century B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £375
With lentoid-section blade, tongue-shaped in plan, integral tapering hilt with flared finial, lateral flanges to accept a panel of bone or wood to each face forming the grip. 289 grams total, 39.5 cm high including stand
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