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Document Details : Title: Highlighting the Role of Artillery from Massalia Subtitle: Archaeometric Study of Limestone Catapult Balls Discovered in Mediterranean Gaul (Early 2nd - Mid 1st Century BC) Author(s): VALLIÈRES, Dominic , FOURNIER, François , MARIÉ, Lionel , ROCHETTE, Pierre Journal: BABESCH Volume: 100 Date: 2025 Pages: 79-120 DOI: 10.2143/BAB.100.0.3294524 Abstract : Following our paper on the archaeometric study of basalt catapult balls discovered on Gallic and Greek sites of Mediterranean Gaul and dated from the last centuries BC, this research examines the associated projectiles crafted in limestone. Employing petrographic studies and carbon and oxygen stable isotope measurements, coupled with archaeological evidence, point to an origin in the Marseille basin and the neighbouring Nerthe mountains range. These same elements also indicate the use of limestone near besieged gallic sites, which suggests that the attacker carved catapult balls locally to minimize the transportation burden of projectiles. Identifying the Euboic mina (436 g) as the unity of measurement further supports the Greek Massaliete origin of these projectiles. |
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