BCE. Athe ̄naios (Deipn. 14 [634]) refers to the work. Bito ̄n also refers to a treatise entitled
Optics, which covers the use of the dioptra (52.7–53.2 W.).
The treatise describes four non-torsion catapults, i.e. catapults whose force derives from a
bow: a large and a small stone thrower by K M and I A
(44.8–51.5 W.) respectively; and two belly-bows, i.e. glorified crossbows, by Z
T (61.2–67.3). It also includes a helepolis, by P M
(51.6–56.8); and a sambuke ̄, by D K (57.1–61.1). The treatise is techni-
cal and detailed in style with exact measurements of the different parts and advice on
materials. It is often hard to interpret, perhaps because the diagrams are not preserved.
Bito ̄n is the best source on the early non-torsion catapults, little used after the invention
of torsion catapults around 350 BCE, and otherwise only described briefly by H
A. Because Bito ̄n described technology that was almost certainly outdated
in his time, his date is much debated. Marsden (61) placed him as early as possible in the
3rd c., arguing that non-torsion catapults were still in use in some places; Lewis places him
in the 2nd c. ascribing the use of non-torsion catapults to an emergency lack of materials
for the springs, and arguing that Damis’ sambuke ̄, which uses a screw, cannot be too soon
after Archime ̄de ̄s, the screw’s inventor. Perhaps the descriptions of old catapults are simply
the result of technical interest, rather than necessity.
Marsden (1971); M.J.T. Lewis, “When was Biton?”, Mnemosyne 52 (1999) 159–168; BNP 2 (2003)
682 – 683, H. Schwerteck.
Karin Tybjerg
Blastos (30 BCE – 80 CE)
G, CMLoc 7.2 (13.17–21 K.), quotes A’ record of three throat lozenges
from Blastos: Andromakhos approves the second, containing aloes, saffron, and mastic; the
third has frankincense, myrrh, saffron, etc. in honey; and the first has 18 ingredients, includ-
ing frankincense, mastic, myrrh, saffron, plus Indian nard, cassia, kostos, malabathron,
etc., boiled in honey wine. Korpela tentatively identifies with Ti. Claudius Blastus of CIL
6.9571 (ca 40 – 60 CE).
Korpela (1987) 180.
PTK
Blatausis (before 700 CE)
Known from a single mention in the anonymous R C 3.1, among
many otherwise unnamed philosophers (phylosophi) who geographically surveyed Egypt
(Egypti patrie descriptores). Blatausis and C were portrayed as of Egyptian nationality
(genere Egyptios) and as surveyors of southern Egypt (meridiane partis descriptores). But the
cosmography prefers citing L “cosmographer of the Romans” to Blatausis and
Cynchris as a source for the names of Egyptian cities designated variously by different
surveyors.
J. Schnetz, Itineraria Romana, v.2: Ravennatis Anonymi Cosmographia et Guidonis Geographica (1990; reprint of
the edition of 1940 with index by M. Zumschlinge), 33.
Leo Depuydt
B ⇒ C
BLASTOS