How Did Ancient Armies Use Slingshots?

Slingshots, or slings, are one of the most fascinating and underappreciated weapons in ancient military history. Renowned for their incredible power and range, slings were used by armies to outmaneuver and outdistance their enemies in battles. This article delves into the history, techniques, and strategic use of slings by ancient warriors, highlighting their significance and effectiveness in various battle scenarios.

Byzantine Weapon of Choice

The sling remains one of the only weapons that could reach energy levels up to 200 ft-lb, and it was capable of being hand-held until the advent of guns. Unlike bows, which have shorter ranges, slings had a significant advantage in terms of distance. With proper training and technique, ancient slingers could throw eggs or stone projectiles to 230 meters, with lead projectiles reaching up to 280 meters. As practice improved, so did accuracy and range, making slings a formidable weapon for Ancient armies.

Tactics and Use in Ancient Battles

Throughout history, ancient armies used specialized slinger corps to bombard enemies with exceptional accuracy and power. Following the archers and prior to the infantry, slingers often played a crucial role in assaults. Their effectiveness was particularly noted during the retreat of the Ten Thousand mercenaries as detailed in Xenophon's Anabasis (Anabasis). Slingers from Rhodes used lead shot, which penetrated both enemy shields and armor. Their role was to scout and occupy high ground, covering the main force during the retreat.

Impact and Accuracy

Slingers required a significant amount of practice to reach their peak. One year of training enabled a slinger to hit a man-sized target at 20 meters about 30-40% of the time with stones. Archers, on the other hand, could hit a human head with the same practice level 70-80% of the time. Although accuracy was lower, the sling’s advantage lay in its portability and less reliance on immense physical strength.

Forgotten Weapon of Devastation

Despite its termination with the advent of more precise and damaging weaponry such as the warbow, the sling was still a weapon to be reckoned with. Ancient soldiers could hurl lead projectiles with force equivalent to a 44-caliber bullet. This made them a dangerous method of combat during the time when gunpowder and firearms were not yet widely available. The Persians and Greeks used slings to hurl stones up to 320 yards, causing devastating effects even on armored soldiers and fortifications. However, against shields, they proved less effective.

Conclusion

The history of slings in ancient warfare is a testament to the ingenuity and tactical prowess of ancient armies. While often overlooked, slings were a powerful and practical tool, providing an equalizing factor in battles where the energy levels and accuracy of projectiles were critical. Understanding the role and tactics of slingers can provide valuable insights into the strategies and technologies of ancient civilizations.