Learn! – A New Type of Inscription on a Sling Bullet from Hippos of the Decapolis
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10330768 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Michael Eisenberg (0000-0002-8702-0842, Institute of Archaeology, corresponding author), Arleta Kowalewska (0000-0002-0891-3803, University of Haifa), Gregor Staab (0000-0002-6243-6921, Centrum für Integrierte Onkologie) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-5 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-10 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Palestine Exploration Quarterly (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0031-0328 • E-ISSN: 1743-1301 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/00310328.2026.2641294 |
| OpenAlex | W7134892257 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 5 |
This paper introduces a unique inscribed lead sling bullet (slingshot) found at Hippos of the Decapolis in 2025. The item was recovered with a metal detector within the Southern Necropolis, close to the bed of the Sussita Stream, where an ancient road passed. The bullet, most probably launched by the city defenders at attackers coming up the road, carries Greek letters ΜΑΘΟΥ. This previously unattested inscription can be interpreted as a sarcastic imperative addressed to the enemy: ‘Learn your lesson!’ The find joins the group of 69 lead sling bullets encountered at Hippos. Although some are decorated with a scorpion or a thunderbolt, the bullet described in this paper is the first one with an inscription.
Sling (weapon · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |