The lead sling bullet is inscribed with Greek letters that form the word ΜΑΘΟΥ, which the researchers believe is a command in ancient Greek to 'learn'
Posted on 03/27/2026 6:16:32 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
Archaeologists have uncovered a 2,000–year–old sling bullet with a taunting message for its target – 'Learn your lesson'.
The small, almond–shaped weapon, which would have been shot out of a handheld projectile pocket, was found in the remains of the ancient city of Hippos in Israel.
It measures 3.2 x 1.95cm (3.2 x 0.76 inches), weighs 38 grams and was likely used by the Greek defenders of the city.
While dozens of lead sling bullets have been found at the site, this one stands out – as it is the first one to bear this specific inscription...
And it joins similar bullets inscribed with dark humour uncovered in the region – including those that read 'catch' and 'take a taste'...
The authors have interpreted the inscription as a form of the word 'mathaíno', which means 'learn', and they believe the spelling indicates it was a command that meant 'learn your lesson'...
The ancient city of Hippos, now known as Sussita, was located around a mile east of the Sea of Galilee.
The archaeologists believe the bullet was fired by a defender from the city walls, which overlooked a road.
It was uncovered by a metal detector in 2025, close to an area that would have been 'the most convenient point of attack towards the city's main gate'. And it was found at a distance of 260m (853 feet) from the city walls, indicating the impressive distance they could be fired...
Some calculations suggest the projectile could fly as far as 400 metres (1,312 feet).
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
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Thanks for the link!
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Man, that sounds like something right out of the Bible.
I’ve gotta clip that can hold 15 sling bullets.
I believe you mean 'lear'.
Dudes will be dudes.
It doesn’t have the name “Goliath” on it, does it?
Good catch!
And THAT is why we need “common sense” sling bullet control.
Well, Illinois would require a serial number on every single assault stone.
Clip or magazine?
Yep. I’ve seen lots of WW2 documentaries in which Allied airmen wrote things on bombs like “Dear Adolf....”, “hugs and kisses”, “Happy Birthday Adolf”, etc. Some things never change.
Ha! That’s great! Looks like soldiers have been doing stuff like this for centuries!
I interpret that as harassing fire by “slingers” operating on the approaches to the city. Yes, slingers could send a stone an impressive distance, but to be effective they’d need to see their target.
Will soon be outlawed. 10 sling shots per clip max. Gotta’ watch out for the serial sling shooters.
Can’t fix stupid journalist. Maybe a “learn” inscribed “nerf” stone to their noggin might break up the clots.
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