Freethought & Rationalism Archive

dancer_rnb · 01-17-2006, 08:59 PM

If I remember right, in one of my Greek history courses I heard about a battle between Spartan hoplites and Athenian light troops (slinger and dart throwers) where the Spartans lost. The Spartans could not close with the light troops, and couldn't avoid them for some reason. I have vague memories they were on a brush covered island.

I also have seen some wild speculation that Goliath may have had Marfans syndrome.

hatsoff · 01-18-2006, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anat

hatsoff, see sling. Still in use by shepherds.

Interesting link, but I don't see anything specific about deadliness.

hatsoff · 01-18-2006, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eldarion Lathria

A sling stone or lead sling bullet, slung by a proficient slinger, will crush an eye, fracture a skull at the temples, or knock the target unconscious enabling someone to despatch him with a blade, or crush the windpipe or jugular vein. A proficient slinger can kill a fox or a wolf at fifty meters.

I have seen slingstones put dents in 18ga and 16ga steel helmets.

Eldarion Lathria

Sounds like the most damage is done with lead, which David did not use.

Eldarion Lathria · 01-18-2006, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatsoff

Sounds like the most damage is done with lead, which David did not use.

The dents were put in the helmets with stone. A good hard stone will do as well as lead.

Eldarion Lathria

NZSkep · 01-18-2006, 12:09 PM

yeah the lead just gets better range

NZSkep · 01-18-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatsoff

Interesting link, but I don't see anything specific about deadliness.

did you read the same link I did. There is loads in here about how the armies used companies of slingers. Besides, int he goliath story isn't david supposed to merely knock goliath out with the stoen before polishing him off with a sword

NZSkep · 01-18-2006, 12:14 PM

how about this bit

Quote:

The historian of the famous retreat of the Ten Thousand, 401 BC, relates that the Greeks suffered severely from the slingers in the army of Mithridates, while they themselves had neither cavalry nor slingers, and were unable to reach the enemy with their arrows and javelins.

or this bit

Quote:

Stones kill without mangling the body, and the contusion is mortal without loss of blood. It is universally known the ancients employed slingers in all their engagements. There is the greater reason for instructing all troops, without exception, in this exercise, as the sling cannot be reckoned any encumbrance, and often is of the greatest service, especially when they are obliged to engage in stony places, to defend a mountain or an eminence, or to repulse an enemy at the attack of a castle or city

is that enough deadliness for you?

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01-17-2006, 08:59 PM	#11
dancer_rnb Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 2,520	If I remember right, in one of my Greek history courses I heard about a battle between Spartan hoplites and Athenian light troops (slinger and dart throwers) where the Spartans lost. The Spartans could not close with the light troops, and couldn't avoid them for some reason. I have vague memories they were on a brush covered island. I also have seen some wild speculation that Goliath may have had Marfans syndrome.

01-18-2006, 12:09 PM	#15
NZSkep Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: auckland nz Posts: 18,090	yeah the lead just gets better range

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