Ancient Trebuchet Shell Discovered in Israel

Archaeologists have uncovered a 2,100-year-old shell from a trebuchet in Israel, featuring a seemingly sarcastic message directed at enemy forces.

The projectile was found in a cemetery along an old road in Hippos, a city that held significance during Byzantine times and was known as Susita in the Hellenistic era, which spanned from 323 BC to around 31 BC.

This particular artifact, believed to be from the 2nd century B.C., bears the Greek inscription for “Learn,” as detailed in a recent press release.

A photo shows the ancient lead sling bullet with faint Greek letters visible. Michael Eisenberg, an archaeologist from the University of Haifa, along with colleague Arleta Kowalewska, suggests that the term is likely a form of playful mockery.

“While 69 similar projectiles have been found in Hippo, this is the only one in the world with the word ‘Learn’ inscribed,” Eisenberg stated. “It reflects local humor where the city’s defenders seemed to have aimed to teach their opponents a lesson with a wink: ‘Learn your lesson!'”

The projectile measures about 3.2 centimeters in length, 1.95 centimeters in width, and weighs 38 grams. Initial assessments revealed signs of impact damage, indicating it may have originally weighed 45 grams.

Experts believe these projectiles were utilized by defenders from the city’s walls against invading forces.

“Finding a trebuchet bullet with an inscription is quite rare. This is the first of its kind to display this Greek word,” Eisenberg told media sources.

He noted that while similar waves of mockery and humor were common, this specific instance is unique, shedding light on the defenders’ spirit during the Hellenistic period.

The location where the artifact was discovered hints strongly that it was fired during a siege. Eisenberg remarked, “The bullets’ placement near ancient fortifications and the impact evidence paint a vivid picture of defenders battling the besieging forces.”

This newfound projectile joins a series of significant archaeological findings in Hippos. Last year, for instance, researchers uncovered what could be the oldest nursing home—an elderly care facility dated to 1,600 years ago. Additionally, a treasure trove of ancient jewelry and gold coins was discovered through metal detection efforts.