NexGen Škola

The "landmine" called a caltrop is an area denial weapon made up of two or more sharp nails or spines arranged in such a manner that one of them always points upward from a stable base. Historically, caltrops were part of defenses that served to slow the advance of troops, especially horses, chariots, and war elephants and were particularly effective against the soft feet of camels.

In Roman Republic warfare the caltrop was being used against enemy war elephants as early as 279BC in the Battle of Asculum.

Archaeological excavations around Alesia show the use of caltrops by Caesar's legions.