Scorpion Bombs: An Ancient Weapon of War
The History of Scorpion Bombs
Scorpion bombs were a unique and deadly weapon used by the ancient inhabitants of the fortress city of Hatra, located in what is now Iraq. In the second century AD, the people of Hatra successfully defended their city from an attacking Roman army by hurling pots full of deadly scorpions onto the legionnaires.
The use of scorpion bombs was first documented in the book “Greek Fire, Poison Arrows & Scorpion Bombs” by Adrienne Mayor. Mayor’s research revealed that the scorpion bomb recipe was popular with young boys and even some girls, who enjoyed making and using these live “grenades.”
How to Make a Scorpion Bomb
The ancient technique for making a scorpion bomb was to carefully spit on the business end of the scorpion. This required nerves of steel and perfect aim. However, a safer method was developed by the National Geographic team, which involved placing the scorpions in a refrigerator to induce torpor before each photo session.
The Ingredients of a Scorpion Bomb
The main ingredient of a scorpion bomb is, of course, scorpions. The most common type of scorpion used in scorpion bombs was the Iraqi Death Stalker, a highly venomous species. Other ingredients may have included dirt, sand, or other materials to weigh down the bomb and make it more difficult to throw.
The Effects of a Scorpion Bomb
When a scorpion bomb was thrown at an enemy, the scorpions would scatter and sting anyone they came into contact with. The stings of the Iraqi Death Stalker are extremely painful and can cause serious health problems, including paralysis and even death.
The Use of Scorpion Bombs in Warfare
Scorpion bombs were a highly effective weapon in ancient warfare. They were used to defend cities, repel invaders, and even assassinate enemy leaders. The use of scorpion bombs was particularly effective in close quarters combat, such as during a siege.
The Legacy of Scorpion Bombs
Scorpion bombs are a fascinating example of the ingenuity and ruthlessness of ancient warfare. They were a powerful weapon that could inflict great pain and suffering on the enemy. Although scorpion bombs are no longer used in modern warfare, they remain a reminder of the lengths to which humans have gone to defend themselves and their territory.
Additional Information
- The Baghdad Battery is an ancient artifact that some believe was used as a weapon of mass destruction. The battery was discovered in 1936 near Baghdad, Iraq, and is believed to date back to the Parthian Empire (247 BC – 224 AD).
- Biochemical weapons are weapons that use toxic chemicals to kill or incapacitate the enemy. Biochemical weapons have been used in warfare for centuries, and they continue to be a threat today.
- Torpor is a state of reduced activity and metabolism. Torpor can be induced in animals by exposure to cold temperatures or by the use of certain drugs.
