Catapult bolt

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This iron bolt for a catapult was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. The socket attached to a wooden shaft, and was fired from a small catapult similar to a cross-bow. It dates from between 80 and 180 AD.

Iron catapult bolt from Newstead

Catapults were used to sling objects, especially sharp metal bolts, quickly and forcefully over long distances. They were made in various sizes and forms, the larger ones of wood and ropes, with metal parts to bind them together.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-036-879-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 203
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Iron; bolt-shaped; socketed
  
• Dimensions: 3.31" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description:
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, Pl. XXXVII, 17. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: