Stone balls

[LUCIUS ALFENUS AVITIANUS]

Hello,

A friend have found some ball stone or projectils of roman ballista of tardorepublican period. There are two diameters, one aprox 15 cm and the other over 30 cm.

What are the normal calibers used? Pictures, links, references?

I have ask permision to him to put some pictures, and more precission about diameter, weight, etc.

Thanks!

[D B Campbell]

A friend have found some ball stone or projectils of roman ballista of tardorepublican period...

Splendid! Where have they been found?

[PhilusEstilius]

I have to say both Cesar and Douglas that I have also found a huge one myself and have it hidden away in a wood alongside a "Three lane wide Roman Road" here in the North East of England. It must be at least 40cm diameter and took both my friend and I to lift it to where it is hidden, the roman road is rather interesting also for it runs parallel to the famous Dere Street to Scotland and it goes up the east side of the Cheviot where the Dere Str' goes on the west of the Cheviot. I discovered it years ago and have never really worked out how the heck to get it to the modern road that is over half a mile away and mostly up hill.

[LUCIUS ALFENUS AVITIANUS]

The balls were founded in a archeological excavation, near Tarragona. The configuration of the excavated area seems to be a fortified setlement or even a roman camp.

All the material founded are from republican period. No sigillata!

[D B Campbell]

There are two diameters, one aprox 15 cm and the other over 30 cm.

Stone diameter is only a very rough guide. Catapults work best by weight.