Between the years 41 and 40 BC, during the Perusine War, Lucius Antonius and Mark Antony’s wife, Fulvia, retreated from Gaius Octavius to the city of Perusia (modern-day Perugia, Italy). In response, Octavian led a siege of Perusia, using (among other techniques) lead sling bullets.  The lead bullets were inscribed with specific insults towards Lucius Antonius and Fulvia. Hurled in response were similar bullets with insults toward Octavian.  Psychological warfare was not uncommon in ancient times.  Bullets have been found in Greece with taunting inscriptions and boasting claims that they had hit their target. These specific bullets are called the glandes perusinae (Acorns of Perugia).  The inscribed ancient taunts refer to one man’s penetrative power over another, trying to dominate their opponent by insulting their sexuality and appearance.

Some lead bullets used against Octavian appear to read, Peto Octaviani culum (“I’m aiming for Octavian’s anus”) and Laxe Octavi, sede (proclaiming Octavius should engage in anal sex with the sling bullet itself). One of the lead bullet’s insults towards Lucius Antonius and Fulvia reads: Culum pandite, telling both Fulvia and Lucius to open their anus (for the lead bullet). Perugia eventually surrendered by being starved out, and because of their surrender, Lucius and Fulvia were both spared but the inhabitants of the city lost their land to Octavian’s soldiers. Octavian then slaughtered most of the councillors of the city. 

On our trip to Perugia, we learned the history of these artifacts and the inscriptions written on these lead bullets. The curator of the display wanted it to be clear to the audience that these were lead sling bullets used during the Perusine War, and that many carried insults against both sides of the siege.  The surviving bullets demonstrate psychological warfare. The corresponding displays also show how the slingers flung the lead bullets. Clear pictures show the action of the slinger and the movement of the sling to propel the bullet with devastating speed.

The information offered on the lead sling bullet displays paints a limited viewpoint.  The display introduces the topic of homosexuality but does not address the use of homosexual slurs and behaviors in the manipulation or coercion of others in Roman history. These objects demonstrate how homophobic sexual insults were one of the worst insults against an enemy, since homosexual activities in Ancient Rome were associated with dominating other men, especially young slave men. The act of penetrative sex between males was deemed humiliating to the passive partner. The dominant partner was supposed to have higher status and greater power than the passive (lesser) partner. Elite men like Lucius Antonius and Octavian were obvious targets for homophobic insults as these lead sling bullets framed the individual as a passive partner and tried to erode their political position and reputation. 

The curator of these types of artifacts could offer broader context for homosexuality in ancient Roman culture, to inform about the bigotry and bullying that homosexuals have endured for ages. The history of homosexuality has become more important in today’s culture, and this episode of Roman history contributes to its understanding.

Works Cited

Dall’orto, Giovanni. 2015. “File: Glandes perusinae 2 – Archaeological Museum of Perugia. Photo by Giovanni Dall’Orto, 4 October 2015.jpg,” The Glandes perisinae (41/40 BC). Archaelogical Museum of Perugia. File: Glandes perusinae 2 – Archaeological Museum of Perugia. Photo by Giovanni Dall’Orto, 4 October 2015.jpg. http://www.wikipink.org/index.php/File:Glandes_perusinae_2_-_Museo_archeologico_di_Perugia._Foto_di_Giovanni_Dall%27Orto,_4_ottobre_2015.jpg.

Hudson, Abigail. 2021. “LGBTQIA+ History Month – Male Homosexuality in Ancient Rome – History @ Bham.” Birmingham Blogs. https://blog.bham.ac.uk/historybham/lgbtqia-history-month-male-homosexuality-in-ancient-rome/.

Jasiński, Jakub. 2020. “Messages on missiles to sling « IMPERIUM ROMANUM.” Imperium Romanum. https://imperiumromanum.pl/en/curiosities/messages-on-missiles-to-sling/.

Porter, John R. 2020. “The Siege of Perusia CIL XI.6721: selection of molded lead sling-bullets that feature some rather earthy invective against Octavian as well as against Lucius Antonius and Fulvia (Marc Antony’s brother and his wife).” Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/36829537/The_Siege_of_Perusia_CIL_XI_6721_selection_of_molded_lead_sling_bullets_that_feature_some_rather_earthy_invective_against_Octavian_as_well_as_against_Lucius_Antonius_and_Fulvia_Marc_Antony_s_brother_and_his_wife_.