Figure 1: Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Size: 3″ W x 2.8″ H (7.6 cm x 7.1 cm) (Photo: Artemis Gallery)

Figure 2: Replica Size: 10″W x 7.9″ H (25.4 cm x 20.6cm)( Image of a tribulus replica on display in DePauw University’s Classics Department). (Photo: Sophia Patrey)

A caltrop( tribulus )has four metal spikes surrounding a solid base allowing it to stand always with a spike projecting vertically. The caltrop found from the 1st to 3rd century BC has the dimensions of 3″ W x 2.8″ H (7.6 cm x 7.1 cm). Most caltrops have a metal ball in the center of the object, and were used primarily to stop enemy cavalry attacks. The upright spike would insert into an animal or human foot and incapacitate them. This tactic worked on a variety of different animals including horses, elephants, camels, or even humans. The animal would stumble and fall, then the rider would be thrown or killed. This simple, but useful, weapon inspired chaos and disarray (O’bryan, 2013, 69). Although the Romans did not create the caltrop, they were avid users of the invention.Vegetius, a later writer of the Roman empire states in his book De Re Militari,“They strewed the field of battle with caltrops, and the horses that drew the chariots, running full speed on them, were infallibly destroyed” (Vegetius, 1473, 105). Such a small object was able to completely shift the military tactics on each side of the battle and cause havoc. Although few sources have been recovered regarding the object.

The earliest known record refers to the Battle of Arbela in Persia 331 BC fought by King Darius III and Alexander the Great. King Darius III used caltrops referring to them as “crow’s-feet” (Reid,1998). If the “crow’s-feet” were actually caltrops, they must already have been familiar for some time. Alexander the Great was able to maneuver through caltrops and saw that these weapons should not be overlooked. However, during the time of Gaius Julius Caesar caltrops were not as prominent (Reid 1998). While there are examples of caltrops working successfully there are also times that it seems unnecessary and not as practical. During an attack of the Carthaginians, Scipio (a Roman general) was advised to use caltrops, but said they were ridiculous due to having possession/control over the enemy walls (Babbitt,1931,187). The Romans were successful in battles by using their own military tactics coupled with strategies borrowed from other armies. Therefore, utilizing these tactics allowed for success within the empire.

Furthermore, successes of the caltrop for Rome were seen against the Parthians during the 1st century BC shortly after Caracalla’s (a Roman emperor) death. Parthians had a very sufficient calvary and utilized camels and horses primarily when they fought. They also thought of attacking Romans from above. Romans would pretend to retreat and instead they hid caltrops under the sand, making them unseen by the enemies. These short but dangerous iron spikes quickly mauled the Parthians. Those who did survive would quickly become weakened and not have the ability to fight at their full potential. Many were unable to fight hand-to-hand after being injured or were easily captured by the Romans (Herodian, Book Four; Chapter 15, 2-3). This proves the versatility of Rome and how their military tactics separated them from other ancient civilizations of that time.

The Romans were keen observers and were able to utilize what others used to make their own military stronger and figure out what course of action was the most appropriate. Overall, their flexibility was truly a distinction compared to the military scene of the time. The caltrop is an example of the utilization of previous weapons. A small but effective weapon was able to completely take down large amounts of calvary and armies.

References

Echols, Edward . n.d. “Herodian of Antioch, History of the Roman Empire (1961) Pp.108-134. Book 4.” Www.tertullian.org.

O’Bryan, John, and Internet Archive. 2013. A History of Weapons : Crossbows, Caltrops, Catapults & Lots of Other Things That Can Seriously Mess You Up. Internet Archive. San Francisco : Chronicle Books.

Plutarch, Frank Cole Babbitt, and Robarts – University of Toronto. 1957. Moralia, in Fifteen Volumes, with an English Translation by Frank Cole Babbitt. Internet Archive. Cambridge Harvard University Press ; London : Heinemann.

Reid, Robert W. 1998. “Diabolical in Its Simplicity, the Ancient, Durable Caltrop..” Military History 15 (3): 20.

Vegetius . The Military Institutions of the Romans [de Re Militari].Pdf (PDFy Mirror). Internet Archive, 1 Jan. 2014

Works Cited