The Scorpion Bombs of Hatra

Staying in the world of invertebrates, you will now look at the scorpion bomb, a powerful weapon utilized by King Barsamia of Hatra against the Romans during the Second Parthian War. Septimius Severus besieged Hatra, a fortified city in modern-day Iraq, in 198 AD. However, the Romans were unaware that Hatra was home to a poisonous type of scorpion known as the deathstalker. They also had no idea that King Barsamia had entire clay pots packed with these arachnids, as he sent out personnel on a daily basis to clear the roadways and maintain them safe for caravans.

You can probably anticipate what occurred next: those pots were transformed into scorpion bombs that rained down on Romans attempting to reach Hatra's walls. While the sting of the deathstalker was rarely lethal, it was undoubtedly potent enough to paralyze the warriors and cause excruciating pain. Severus eventually decided to raise the siege and depart the city.

Date: AD 198