Units of History - The Balearic Slingers DOCUMENTARY

Summary by Krater

An exploration of the Balearic slingers, their history, equipment, and role in ancient warfare across the Mediterranean from the Bronze Age through the Roman era.

From the video

Answers: Who were the Balearic slingers and how did they fight in ancient warfare?

• Balearic slingers
• Ancient warfare
• Sling weaponry
• Carthaginian and Roman mercenaries

What it concludes

• Ancient historians mistakenly credited Balearic slingers as being the first in the world to use slings in warfare.
• Balearic slingers achieved high levels of success as mercenaries due to their skill and refusal to bring gold and silver home, instead spending wages on women, wine, and food.
• The defining piece of equipment for Balearic slingers was their sling, a projectile weapon composed of two lengths of cord with a pouch and grips.
• Projectiles fired from Balearic slings could reach speeds up to 100 km/h and hit targets 400 meters away.
• Balearic sling-fired projectiles could cause severe blunt force damage comparable to or exceeding arrows and catapults.
• Balearic slingers underwent extensive training from an early age, contributing to their reputation as renowned mercenaries.