Loading, please wait...
LOT 0855
Roman Legion XIII 'Battle of Munda' Lead Slingshot
1ST CENTURY B.C.
2 in. (55.7 grams, 51 mm).
Fusiform with pointed ends, reserved 'LXIII' (LEGIO XIII = 13th Legion) legend. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Property of a gentleman collector.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. D'Amato, R. and Sumner, G., Arms and Armour of the Imperial Roman Soldier: From Marius to Commodus, 112 BC-AD 192, London, 2009, fig.32, p.45, for a similar glandes from Zaragoza Museum, from Munda battlefield; cf. also D'Amato, R., La Grande Storia delle Legioni Romane, Roma, 2021.
FootnotesThe shot (Völling type 1C) is marked with the abbreviated name of Legion XIII, and was probably used at the Battle of Monda (or Munda) against Julius Caesar, 17th March 45 B.C., or against the sons of Pompey, because both the generals (Pompey sons and Caesar) had in their army a Legio with the numeral XIII on that day. Interestingly, other glandes of the same typology from the same battlefield bear the name of Pompey, so that it is much possible that the glans belongs to the Legio XIII of Pompey, who was destroyed during the battle and whose survivors were massacred among the 22,000 defenders of Cordoba by the troops of Caesar (D'Amato, 2021, pp.421 and 424). The projectiles were made of different materials: lead (glandes) or in pottery or stone (lapides missiles).
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Bronze Oil Lamp
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Slipper-shaped with scooped nozzle, loop handle and thumb-pad; lateral vent to nozzle. 102 grams, 10 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Bronze Fist Pendant and Ear Scoop
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising: amuletic pendant formed as a hand in the fica gesture; cosmetic ear-scoop. 9.87 grams total, 30-37 mm
Acquired on the European art market. Ex California, USA, private collection, 1980-2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Redware Oil Lamp with Christian Symbols
North Africa, circa 375-450 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Redware oil lamp of Hayes's type I, the discus decorated with a stylised blossom, a cross below, and grooved ridges around much of the perimeter; lug handle to rear, a low ring base to the underside with inscribed mark in the form of the Christogram symbol (Chi-Rho). 177 grams, 11.7 cm
From the private collection of H.L., Rhineland, Germany, since before 2000. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry and old handwritten collector's ticket. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
