Friday, December 09, 2022

Hasmonean-era sling bullet found at Yavneh

ANCIENT ARTIFACT: Greek Sling Bullet From Hasmonean Period Found in Yavne Reveals Case of Ancient Psychological Warfare. The bullet was inscribed with the slogan ‘Victory of Heracles and Hauronas,’ showing that emblazoning ammunition with threatening words isn’t a solely modern-day practice. Archeologists say ‘it’s not impossible’ that it was used in the conflict between the Greeks and the Hasmoneans. (Ofer Aderet, Haaretz).

"It's not impossible" is not exactly conclusive, but the object is an important find whether or not it has any connection with the Maccabean Revolt (or, perhaps not coincidentally, Hanukkah).

For the Tryphon sling stone from Tel Zif, see here.

The site of Yavne (Yavneh, Yavneh Yam) had produced many notable archaeological discoveries dating from the Iron Age to late antiquity and beyond. Some PaleoJudaica posts are here, here, here, here, here, here, and here, and follow the many links.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.