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 ...
Sling bullets and stones used in sieges are commonly found with messages - obviously in part because they are carved in stone or lead and therefore durable. Lots of Roman-era artifacts with that kind of stuff.
so enjoy your posts on archaeology. don’t stop!
“No one needs 15 sling bullets to kill a deer!”
That "learn your lesson" inscribed on the stone might have been a reminder to students.
Looks to me as if they were cast in, not inscribed.
Yes, slingers could send a stone an impressive distance, but to be effective they’d need to see their target.
I suspect they occasionally practiced indirect fire.
FRENCH GUARD: You don’t frighten us, English pig-dogs! Go and boil your bottom, sons of a silly person. I blow my nose at you, so-called Arthur King, you and all your silly English k-nnnnniggets. Thpppppt! Thppt! Thppt!
GALAHAD: What a strange person.
ARTHUR: Now look here, my good man—
FRENCH GUARD: I don’t wanna talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!
GALAHAD: Is there someone else up there we could talk to?
FRENCH GUARD: No. Now, go away, or I shall taunt you a second time-a!
[sniff]
FRENCH GUARD: You don’t frighten us, English pig-dogs! Go and boil your bottom, sons of a silly person. I blow my nose at you, so-called Arthur King, you and all your silly English k-nnnnniggets. Thpppppt! Thppt! Thppt!
GALAHAD: What a strange person.
ARTHUR: Now look here, my good man—
FRENCH GUARD: I don’t wanna talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!
GALAHAD: Is there someone else up there we could talk to?
FRENCH GUARD: No. Now, go away, or I shall taunt you a second time-a!
[sniff]
True. But it would have been rare. Even gunpowder artillery was primarily direct-fire almost to WW1. Communication nets and forward/aerial observation changed that.
I agree.
I know a fellow who shot several geese using a rifle, .22 shorts, and his knowledge of where a large flock of geese were congregated on the other side of a hill. He fired about a box of shells (50)over the hill. He told me he collected 4-or 5 geese. Any body hit on a goose, with a .22 short is likely to keep it from flying.
He knew the area extremely well, he shot that rifle with shorts a great deal, and he understood ballisics very well. Big target, lots of shots.
Most of the stories he told me were credible. Some were backed up with news articles.
In many ways, he was a genius, a superb farmer, and an admitted and effective poacher. He was born in 1918 and died a few years ago at 102.
I believe the name of Castle “Ahhhhh....” was also inscribed in stone.
Some people never learn.
I would agree - these ‘slingers’ were very mobile, and it’s presumptuous to think they only hurled/slung from a fixed location.
For yo' assault sling? Word to ya' mutha'
Yes. You’d have your heavy infantry formed up into a block formation while your slingers, javelin-throwers and or archers are goading the other guy’s heavy infantry into an ill-advised charge. Darned if you do; darned if you don’t. The ancient dilemma of warfare at the tactical level.
They’re the ones with multiple bandaids on their noggins. They got home at least, but then were asked, “how’d the battle go? Who won?” and of course, “what’s with all the bandaids.” That’s the real origin of the ‘walked into a door’ cover story.
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