Slings & Slingstones: The Forgotten Weapons Of Oceania And The Americas
by Robert York /
2011 / English / PDF
8.4 MB Download
A fascinating examination of an overlooked weapon
A fascinating examination of an overlooked weapon
For most of us, our knowledge of slings and slingstones begins
and ends with the biblical tale of David slaying Goliath.
Scholars and archaeologists have told us that slings like the one
David employed were common in the Old World, used not just for
shepherd boys to kill giants but for protecting herds, hunting,
and combat. However, few scholars have addressed the function
slings have occupied outside of Eurasian civilizations,
especially their use in Oceania and the Americas.
For most of us, our knowledge of slings and slingstones begins
and ends with the biblical tale of David slaying Goliath.
Scholars and archaeologists have told us that slings like the one
David employed were common in the Old World, used not just for
shepherd boys to kill giants but for protecting herds, hunting,
and combat. However, few scholars have addressed the function
slings have occupied outside of Eurasian civilizations,
especially their use in Oceania and the Americas.
In this astounding new archaeological survey, authors Robert York
and Gigi York examine the history of Oceania and the Americas to
unveil the significant role slings and slingstones played in
developing societies. They present new evidence that suggests
that unlike David who plucked rounded pebbles from a stream,
inhabitants of the Pacific Islands deliberately fashioned sling
missiles out of coral, stone, and clay into uniquely deadly
shapes. They also show that the use of slings in the Americas was
more pervasive and inclined to variability than previously
recognized.
In this astounding new archaeological survey, authors Robert York
and Gigi York examine the history of Oceania and the Americas to
unveil the significant role slings and slingstones played in
developing societies. They present new evidence that suggests
that unlike David who plucked rounded pebbles from a stream,
inhabitants of the Pacific Islands deliberately fashioned sling
missiles out of coral, stone, and clay into uniquely deadly
shapes. They also show that the use of slings in the Americas was
more pervasive and inclined to variability than previously
recognized.
Well documented, bountifully illustrated, and thoroughly
researched,
Well documented, bountifully illustrated, and thoroughly
researched,Slings and Slingstones
Slings and Slingstones is sure to engage
readers interested in expanding their knowledge of the past. It
is an essential reference for archaeologists, historians, and
students of the history of arms and weaponry.
is sure to engage
readers interested in expanding their knowledge of the past. It
is an essential reference for archaeologists, historians, and
students of the history of arms and weaponry.
