Sling and sling missiles in Anatolia from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age

The sling is one of the oldest weapons developed by humans in prehistoric times, alongside the spear, bow, and arrow. Traces of its use in Anatolian cultures can be observed as early as 10,000 BCE. The earliest evidence of the sling's existence comes from depictions in stone reliefs, wall paintings, and archaeological finds, specifically round-shaped stone and clay objects identified as sling missiles. In Neolithic and Chalcolithic cultures of Anatolia, the sling was used for hunting, domestication of animals, protecting crops and livestock, and herding. Additionally, there are indications that slings may have been used in conflicts during the Late Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic periods. Late Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic communities developed more flexible and lightweight slings due to advancements in textile technology. Innovations in firing techniques also allowed them to produce more durable and aerodynamically efficient clay sling missiles that could travel faster and reach greater distances. This advanced sling technology laid the foundation for the slings used in the Bronze and Iron Ages and even in modern times, leading to the emergence of expert slingers. During the Late Chalcolithic period and beyond, with the process of state formation in the Bronze Age, the sling became part of the military inventory of centralized authorities in the Near East and was used in specialized slinger units. In the Bronze and Iron Ages, slings were primarily employed in siege warfare by infantry units composed of volunteers or mercenaries and were later integrated into cavalry forces. Due to their mastery of various throwing techniques and strategies, slingers were often more effective than archers of their time and played a crucial role in securing victories in key battles.