Record

Catapult bolt

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from Newstead, Roxburghshire

Postcard of Catapult bolt.
000-100-036-886-C
© National Museums Scotland

Catapult bolt

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

The bolt has an octagonal section. The socket where it attached to the wooden shaft is slightly split.

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: 000-100-036-886-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 210
Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
Material: Iron; octagonal; bolt-shaped; socketed
Dimensions: 3.50" L
What:
Subject:
Who: Newstead Collection
Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
Event:
Description: Iron catapult bolt from Newstead
References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, Pl. XXXVII, 20. 
Translations:
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