Κέστρος

This was a novel invention during the [sc. Romans'] war against Perseus.¹ The missile of this kind was two palms [long],² and it had a tube equal [in length] to the point. Into this [tube] a wooden shaft was fitted, a span in length³ and a finger's breadth in diameter. Onto the middle of this⁴ were secured three wing-shaped timbers, altogether short. This,⁵ with the sling having two unequal strings,⁶ was looped between the strings in an easily-releasable manner. There it stayed while these strings were whirled around and tautened; but when, during the discharge, one of the strings was loosened, it fell out from the loop and was propelled just like a leaden sling-bullet, striking with a forceful blow and inflicting serious injury on those encountering it.