A 2,100-year-old tablet was found in Israel, bearing a message to enemies.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Archaeologists have discovered a 2,100-year-old lead slingshot in the ancient city of Hippos, Israel. The bullet bears a sharp and sarcastic message aimed at enemy forces.

The tablet was found in a cemetery located along an ancient road in Hippos. In ancient times, Hippos was known as Susita. During the Hellenistic period, the city was an important center in the region. Later, during the Byzantine period, it became a major episcopal seat.

Message written on a tablet

According to Fox News Digital, officials have dated the tablet to the second century BC. The Greek word "learn" is engraved on it. A photograph of the ancient, oval-shaped lead tablet clearly shows faint traces of Greek writing.

Dr. Michael Eisenberg, an archaeologist at the University of Haifa, and his colleague, Dr. Arleta Kowalewska, believe the phrase was a sarcastic taunt. According to a March 2026 press release, Eisenberg and Kowalewska published their findings in the journal Palestine Exploration Quarterly (PEQ).

He said that 69 such tablets have been identified in Hippos alone, but this is the first in the world to be found with the word "Learn." This reflects the local sarcastic humor of the city's defenders. They wanted to teach their enemies a lesson with a sarcastic gesture: "Learn your lesson."

How would the bullet have been fired?

The artifact is approximately 3.2 centimeters long and 1.95 centimeters wide. Its current weight is 38 grams. The excavation team estimates its original weight to have been approximately 45 grams due to impact damage. Clear impact marks were also observed on the tablet.

According to officials, the bullet was likely fired from the city walls by the city's defenders as enemy forces advanced toward the city. It is extremely rare to find a written message on a catapult bullet.

This specific Greek word was inscribed on a bullet, a world-first. At the time, lead bullets were considered cheap but extremely lethal ammunition.

Other Recent Discoveries in Hippos

Last year, during excavations in Hippos, archaeologists discovered a 1,600-year-old Christian center that cared for the elderly. It may be the world's oldest nursing home. A metal detector also unearthed a large treasure trove of ancient jewelry and gold coins at the same site.

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