A caltrop or calthrop is a small, ancient weapon designed to cause damage or impede the movement of horses, vehicles, or personnel. It typically consists of a small metal object with four sharp spikes arranged in a tetrahedral shape, with one spike always pointing upwards.
Historically used in warfare and for defense purposes, caltrops were strategically scattered on the ground to slow down or disable charging cavalry or military vehicles. When stepped on, the spikes of the caltrop would puncture through the hooves of horses or tires of vehicles, causing significant pain, injury, and immobilization. Even if only one spike was successful in achieving this, it would hinder the movement of the targets, crippling their effectiveness in battle or pursuit.
Caltrops have also been employed for various non-martial applications, such as law enforcement, anti-vehicle measures, or even urban animal control. Their design and inherent functionality make them versatile tools to obstruct the path of any moving object. Additionally, caltrops are fairly compact, making them easy to carry, deploy, and conceal.
The etymology of the term "caltrop" can be traced back to the Latin word "calcatrippae" or "heel-trap," which highlights its original function of trapping or injuring the feet. The word has persisted in various forms across languages due to its enduring usage and effectiveness throughout history.
