2000-year-old ‘bullet’ found with Roman dictator’s name on it used as propaganda

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A 2000-year-old “bullet” found with a Roman dictator’s name on it was probably used as propaganda, in line with archaeologists.

The lead projectile, inscribed with the name of Julius Caesar, was unearthed in Spain and will have been used with a slingshot by the final’s troops.

The artefact – recognized to specialists as a “glans inscripta” – measures 4.5 by 2 centimeters and weighs 71 grams and would have been made utilizing a mould into which molten lead was poured.

On one facet, an inscription reads “IPSCA” – probably Latin for an unknown Spanish city – whereas the opposite reads “CAES” for Ceasar.

Experts say the invention might show Indigenous Spaniards supported the reason for the dictator throughout his civil struggle in 49-45BC.

“In the 1st century BC, many inscribed glandes were made because they were very useful instruments for housing short, very specific messages,” examine lead creator Javier Moralejo Ordax informed Live Science.

The message on the bullet was probably meant as political propaganda and encouragement for Caesar’s personal troops, he added.

Caesar’s civil struggle engulfed Greece Egypt, Africa, Spain and the Balkans. The closing offensive is understood as the Battle of Munda, which came about in Andalusia, Spain.

Only one different bullet with Caesar’s name on it has been found in Spain earlier than. It reads “CAE / ACIPE” — the Latin equal of “Suck it, Caesar” — almost certainly a message from Pompey’s troops to their enemy.