New findings were found in archaeological researches in Çanakkale. A 3,400-year-old sling stone made of lead was found in the ancient city of Maydos. Prof. Dr. Göksel Sazcı, Head of Excavations of Maydos Ancient City, said that this type can be compared to today’s bullets.
New discoveries continue to come from archaeological excavations in Turkey. Excavations in the 5,000-year-old Maydos Ancient City in Eceabat district started in July. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Göksel Sazcı, Professor of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ) Department of Archaeology and Head of Maydos Ancient City Excavations, the excavations continue with an excavation team of 10 people and 6-7 workers. With the permission of the Ministry of Culture and the main sponsorship of İçdaş A.Ş., the excavations will be finalised in September.
NEW DISCOVERY EXACTLY 3 THOUSAND 400 YEARS OLD
A 3,400-year-old lead sling stone was found during the 2024 excavations in the ancient city of Maydos.
Maydos Ancient City Excavation Head Prof. Dr. Göksel Sazcı said, ‘One of the interesting finds of 2024 is this sling stone you see here. Sling stones are usually made of stone or terracotta. This sling stone is made of lead. We had found one in the 2018 excavation season, but we could not date it because it was found on the surface. This sling stone we found came from a layer between the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. In other words, it is a sling stone dating to approximately 3300-3400 years ago. These are, of course, lethal weapons.
MOST LETHAL WEAPONS
Stating that the lead specimens are a rare species, Göksel Sazcı said, ‘A similar lead half was found in Troy excavations. But their origin is Cyprus and Crete Island. For example, there are examples in the Knossos settlement belonging to the Minoan culture on the island of Crete. They have travelled all the way here. Slingshots are one of the most lethal weapons of the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Numerous stacked stone examples were found in the Troy VIIb layer, where the Trojan War was dated. However, this one is made of lead and is even more lethal. We can also compare it with today’s bullets.
Talking about the historical Gallipoli Peninsula, Göksel Sazcı said, ‘We archaeologists sometimes like the “most”. Therefore, for this bullet, we can say that it is the oldest bullet fired in the region, namely in the Gallipoli Peninsula. We also measured the weight of these sling stones. The sample we previously found in 2018 weighed 43 grams, while this bullet weighs 33-34 grams. Its tip is also pointed. When this bullet hits a person, it either pierces or causes great permanent damage.’
