Why Did Rome Still Use Slings When Bows Existed?

Roman soldiers relied on slings long after bows were common. See why casting lead ammunition was a critical tactical choice. The daily lives of Roman soldiers involved far more than standard infantry gear. We look at the specialized tools they forged, specifically the process of metal casting for sling ammunition, and the archaeological evidence that shows how these weapons functioned on the front lines. For those interested in ancient warfare, understanding these choices reveals how the Roman military adapted to specific combat needs. By examining ancient artifacts and the construction of fortifications, we can see how the army balanced logistics, training, and the practical requirements of a legion on the move. Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of the ancient world, and tell us which Roman military tool deserves a closer look. Timestamps 0:00 You Are Holding a Rope 0:56 48 BC: Caesar Against Pompey at Dyrrhachium 1:43 Loading the Sling 2:08 Now Imagine You’re Caesar’s Soldier 2:51 The Dangerous Part Was the Person 3:46 The Balearic Slingers 4:33 A Bow Wasn’t an Upgrade 5:01 Lead Bullets: Glandes 5:31 What Vegetius Said About the Wounds 6:01 Digging Under Fire 7:04 So Why Keep the Bow? 8:20 Rome Used Both 9:34 Until the Enemy Has Had Enough 10:43 Pharsalus: When the Protection Fails 11:53 The World’s Greatest Swimmer 12:50 Hate Mail on Lead 14:23 What Archaeology Found 15:51 Why the Sling Never Disappeared 17:33 Back on the Hillside 18:54 After the Battle Sources include Caesar's own account of the civil war, Livy, Vegetius on sling training and injuries, and lead sling bullets recovered at Pompeii, Perusia, and other sites. #AncientRome #RomanArmy #RomanHistory