Long story short: I am taking a 300-level classical studies class on the Roman Army at university. Our professor has repeatedly mentioned "slingshots" as a missile weapon used in addition to slings (note: I am not confusing these with references to the projectile). I was dubious, because everything I've read claimed that material of sufficient elasticity to make a hand-held slingshot did not exist until the 19th century.
My professor, when asked, claimed that the same materials used for ballista and other artillery weapons were employed to create handheld slingshots. She further says both slings and slingshots were used by missile troops.
I found a couple other answers on this subreddit addressing this, which seemed to make the answer out as an unequivocal 'no'. I don't want to ask my professor again, but this is driving me crazy!
Is there anything I'm missing that she could be basing this on?
Do you mean slingshot, or a sling? I would bet your professor is conflating the terms and is referencing the "sling", not a slingshot.
Slingers were a powerful auxiliary ranged addition to Mediterranean warfare for long, long time.
Slingshot, like the modern type we imagine a child would have, are very different and lack the killing potential of an actual sling (for the most part).
I can source later, I'm on mobile at the moment and it's not very practical. Apologies to mods.