Scorpio, et al, Bolt Heads- Pictures, Measurements Anyone?

[Matt Lukes]

Since I just discovered I can make accurate socketed pilum shanks, it's occurred to me that I can therefore also forge catapult bolt heads- the only trouble is that I have no images or dimensions of real ones, and since I always try to make things as authentically as I can, that's a problem. Does anyone have any details that they can share- I can't find anything useful with Google...

Thanks.

Matt

[Peroni]

Best place for pictures and dimensions I think would be the Dura Europos final Report - Simon James.

If you don't have it, I could email the info to you.

[D B Campbell]

Remember, the Dura "bolt" heads are for the late iron-framed ballista.

If you're thinking of the arrow-shooting catapult of the High Empire -- the scorpio or catapulta -- Vindolanda springs to mind (although the catapult arrow-heads there have been disputed).

The clearest examples of ammunition for the arrow-shooting catapult (as opposed to the arrow-shooting ballista, if you follow me) are the ones from Ephyra (Greece), because they were found alongside catapult parts (so are pretty likely to be the real thing).

[Matt Lukes]

Actually, yes, it is the earlier Scorpiones, etc. that I'm thinking of. I recall seeing an excavated skeleton with a bolt head embedded in one of its thoracic or lumbar vertebrae and a skull with a sqare hole denoting a possible bolt hit. I have the Vindonissa Katalog diagrams, but they show what are bladed, socketed heads that may or may not be from scorpio bolts. I'm thinking of the pyrimidal-headed type...

[D B Campbell]

Here's an example from Vindolanda to get you started, Matt.
Dietwulf Baatz expressed the belief that it was a javelin-head, because artillery shouldn't be present in an auxiliary fort, but it certainly has the general form of a scorpio arrowhead.

Overall length is 100mm, with a weight of 39g, so it's quite a small example, perhaps intended for a 3-span.

[Matt Lukes]

That's excellent- just what I need, thanks!