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 Phallic Pendant
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Formed as a stylised phallus with rounded testes and large suspension loop above. 43.4 grams, 44 mm
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 Deep Blue Bottle with Relief Decoration
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £270
Mould-blown with spherical, squat body and dimple base; low-relief encircling laurel branch with fruit below the shoulder; tubular neck with offset rings flared towards the mouth; restored. 48.8 grams, 89 mm
with Rosebery's London, 3 May 2019, no.165. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Amber Glass Juglet
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £139
Comprising a bulbous body, long neck and trumpet-shaped mouth with rolled rim, applied handle to the rear. 82 grams, 10.1 cm
Ex Sussex, UK, collection, 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
