Theharpax orharpago orharpaga (Ancient Greek:ἁρπάγη, ἅρπαγαlit. "grabber, seizer, robber";GENἅρπαγοςharpagos)[1] was a grappling-iron. Its name, derived from the Greek verb harpazo (ἁρπάζω), meaning "to seize" or "to snatch". It was a versatile tool used in both domestic and military contexts in ancient Greece and Rome.[2][3]
In domestic life, the harpago was most commonly used as a flesh-hook or grappling-iron. This instrument was particularly useful in the kitchen, where it was employed to remove boiled meat from acauldron. Described as resembling a hand with fingers bent inward, the harpago allowed cooks to easily lift large pieces of meat from the pot. According to the Scholiast on Aristophanes, it was “an instrument used in cookery.” Greeks also called it λύκος (meaning wolf), κρεάγρα and κρεαγρίς (both meaning "flesh-hook" or "meat hook).[3]
A similar instrument, or even the hook itself, was used to draw up a bucket or recover objects that had fallen into a well.[3]
In warfare, the harpago took on a much larger and more formidable form and was said to have been invented byPericles. Seems that was similar to the Roman harpagones or manus ferreae.It was used as a grappling iron to capture enemy ships. These were large, iron hooks designed to latch onto the rigging or hull of opposing vessels. Once a harpago secured its hold on an enemy ship, it could be used to drag the ship closer to the attacker’s vessel, allowing for easier boarding or destruction.It Was used byDuilius against theCarthaginians.[3]
It was also used byMarcus Vipsanius Agrippa againstSextus Pompey during the naval battles of theSicilian revolt.[4] It was deployed at theBattle of Naulochus in 36 BC.Appian explains the device was "called the 'grip', a piece of wood, fivecubits long bound with iron and having rings at the extremities. To one of these rings was attached the grip itself, an iron claw, to the other numerous ropes, which drew it by machine power after it had been thrown by a catapult and had seized the enemy's ships."[5][6]
The harpax had a distinct advantage over the traditional naval boarding device, thecorvus, in that it was much lighter. The corvus boarding bridge is estimated to have weighed a ton. The harpax could be thrown long distances due its light weight. It was discharged by aballista as if it were a heavy dart. Furthermore, the harpax was composed of iron bands that could not be cut, and the ropes could not be cut due to the length of the iron grapple. Appian notes "As this apparatus had never been known before, the enemy had not provided themselves with scythe-mounted poles."[5]
The casualty totals provide a broad picture of the tool's effectiveness: Sextus lost 180 of a total force of 300 warships - 28 by ramming and 155 by capture and by fire.[7]
