Alan Wilkins studied Classics at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and read the subject at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, specialising in ancient history and archaeology under Professors Jocelyn Toynbee and A. G. Woodhead. He spent several years excavating on Roman military and civilian sites in Britain, and was a field assistant to Sir Ian Richmond for 17 years. He lectured on Greek and Roman Civilisation for Liverpool University’s Extra-Mural Department, and was one of the pioneers of the JACT evidence-based teaching of Greek and Roman history. After 30 years teaching Classics at Woodbridge School, Merchant Taylors School, Crosby and Annan Academy, he turned to the subject of Greek and Roman artillery, following the tragic early death of his friend Dr Eric Marsden. He has attempted to maintain the momentum of Eric’s research into the subject. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

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• AcknowledgementsPrefaceGlossaryWeights and measuresIntroductionGreek originsThe menace of the new weaponThe bolt-shooter: accuracy, range and effectsReconstructing the Roman bolt-shooter    The new design: the metal frame arch strut cheiroballistra/manuballistaDeciphering the manuscripts: Vitruvius’ ballistaThe stone missiles: range and effectsMasada AD 73-74Qasr Ibrim: artillery in defence. Inscribed stone shotArtillery in action in the field: Arrian’s battle planBurnswark Roman camps and native hillfort, DumfriesshireThe last stone-throwersThe Hatra stone-thrower and the inward-swinging arms theorySurvivalThe Roman achievementFuture search and researchThe Roman origin of the mediaeval revolving-nut crossbow releaseReview of 2021 TV film on Burnswark Hill, ‘Massacre on Hadrian’s Wall’Sources and references to artillery

Alan Wilkins studied Classics at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and read the subject at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, specialising in ancient history and archaeology under Professors Jocelyn Toynbee and A. G. Woodhead. He spent several years excavating on Roman military and civilian sites in Britain, and was a field assistant to Sir Ian Richmond for 17 years. He lectured on Greek and Roman Civilisation for Liverpool University’s Extra-Mural Department, and was one of the pioneers of the JACT evidence-based teaching of Greek and Roman history. After 30 years teaching Classics at Woodbridge School, Merchant Taylors School, Crosby and Annan Academy, he turned to the subject of Greek and Roman artillery, following the tragic early death of his friend Dr Eric Marsden. He has attempted to maintain the momentum of Eric’s research into the subject. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

Select Guide Rating

• AcknowledgementsPrefaceGlossaryWeights and measuresIntroductionGreek originsThe menace of the new weaponThe bolt-shooter: accuracy, range and effectsReconstructing the Roman bolt-shooter    The new design: the metal frame arch strut cheiroballistra/manuballistaDeciphering the manuscripts: Vitruvius’ ballistaThe stone missiles: range and effectsMasada AD 73-74Qasr Ibrim: artillery in defence. Inscribed stone shotArtillery in action in the field: Arrian’s battle planBurnswark Roman camps and native hillfort, DumfriesshireThe last stone-throwersThe Hatra stone-thrower and the inward-swinging arms theorySurvivalThe Roman achievementFuture search and researchThe Roman origin of the mediaeval revolving-nut crossbow releaseReview of 2021 TV film on Burnswark Hill, ‘Massacre on Hadrian’s Wall’Sources and references to artillery

Alan Wilkins studied Classics at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and read the subject at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, specialising in ancient history and archaeology under Professors Jocelyn Toynbee and A. G. Woodhead. He spent several years excavating on Roman military and civilian sites in Britain, and was a field assistant to Sir Ian Richmond for 17 years. He lectured on Greek and Roman Civilisation for Liverpool University’s Extra-Mural Department, and was one of the pioneers of the JACT evidence-based teaching of Greek and Roman history. After 30 years teaching Classics at Woodbridge School, Merchant Taylors School, Crosby and Annan Academy, he turned to the subject of Greek and Roman artillery, following the tragic early death of his friend Dr Eric Marsden. He has attempted to maintain the momentum of Eric’s research into the subject. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

Select Guide Rating

• AcknowledgementsPrefaceGlossaryWeights and measuresIntroductionGreek originsThe menace of the new weaponThe bolt-shooter: accuracy, range and effectsReconstructing the Roman bolt-shooter    The new design: the metal frame arch strut cheiroballistra/manuballistaDeciphering the manuscripts: Vitruvius’ ballistaThe stone missiles: range and effectsMasada AD 73-74Qasr Ibrim: artillery in defence. Inscribed stone shotArtillery in action in the field: Arrian’s battle planBurnswark Roman camps and native hillfort, DumfriesshireThe last stone-throwersThe Hatra stone-thrower and the inward-swinging arms theorySurvivalThe Roman achievementFuture search and researchThe Roman origin of the mediaeval revolving-nut crossbow releaseReview of 2021 TV film on Burnswark Hill, ‘Massacre on Hadrian’s Wall’Sources and references to artillery