Roman — Roman; 43-410
Bolt head, ballista bolt head
An iron ballista bolt-head, possibly octagonal in section originally, although now nearer circular. The head has a sharp taper and is angular where it meets the socket. It has a split circular socket with a nail still in situ.
Octagonal-sectioned bolt-heads are quite rare, but not unknown. A collection of copper alloy bolts of this type was found in the fort of Copaceni in Dacia (modern day Romania).
Catapult machines (ballista) were used by the legions for firing arrows or bolts. Such machines were later installed on platforms over London's gateways.
- Category:
- Roman
- Object ID:
- 20815
- Object name:
- bolt head, ballista bolt head
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Roman; 43-410
- Material:
iron
- Measurements/duration:
- L 87 mm, L (head) 43.5 mm, L 86 mm, DM 10 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.