30 December, 2018 - 13:54 Ed Whelan
Rare Find of Stone Catapult Ball Fired During Medieval Siege Unearthed in Scotland
Archaeologists in Scotland have made the rare discovery of a stone ball that was used like a cannonball during a medieval siege. The find is helping experts to better understand Scotland’s Wars of Independence (1296-1316). It is also allowing researchers an invaluable insight into military technology and siege warfare in the Middle Ages.
The find was made during a routine archaeological excavation of a planned development. It was found in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh by a team of archaeologists from AOC Archaeology. They were investigating the site for historical artifacts and remains before the development of a 250-bed hotel in the area, which is in a historic part of the city of Edinburgh. The excavation was funded by the India Building Company and experts are still working at the site. Edinburgh Castle which dates from the 12 th century was besieged more than two dozen times, is located not far from the excavations.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/catapult-0011248
