Home / Science / 2,000-Year-Old 'Learn Your Lesson' Missile Unearthed
2,000-Year-Old 'Learn Your Lesson' Missile Unearthed
23 Mar
Summary
- A 2,000-year-old sling bullet bears a sarcastic inscription.
- The artifact was found in the ancient city of Hippos in Israel.
- This is the first known inscribed sling bullet with a taunting message.
An extraordinary 2,000-year-old sling bullet, inscribed with the taunting message 'Learn your lesson,' has been unearthed by archaeologists in the ancient city of Hippos, located in present-day Israel.
The small, almond-shaped projectile, measuring 3.2 x 1.95cm and weighing 38 grams, is the first of its kind found bearing such a specific inscription. Researchers interpret the Greek word ΜΑΘΟΥ as a sarcastic command from the city's defenders, intended to mock advancing enemies.
This discovery sheds light on the psychological warfare of ancient times, with similar sling bullets bearing inscriptions like 'catch' and 'take a taste' also found in the region. The bullet was likely fired by a defender from the city walls, found approximately 260 meters from the main gate.
Analysis indicates the sling bullet dates to the second half of the second century BC or the beginning of the first century BC, potentially used during conflicts involving the Hasmonean kingdom. Sling bullets were common, inexpensive munitions capable of being fired up to 400 meters.
