Catapult History Research
Ballista
History
This catapult was first described in the Bible, but was first used in Greek and Roman armies. They were used to shoot bolt heads, or sharp small projectiles, at enemies. Its use continued until the Middle Ages, when crossbows took its place.
Description
The Ballista catapult has a design similar to a crossbow. Two levers are connected by a rope. The rope is pulled back on a strip of material and secured. a projectile is lodged between the piece of rope. When the rope is released, the tension in the rope causes the levers to snap back into place, taking the rope and projectile with it. The projectile shoots from the catapult and (hopefully) hits its target.
Pro's
This catapult can shoot projectiles from a large distance.
Con's
The projectiles used were usually small, sharp objects that couldn't cause major damage.
Picture
History
This catapult was first described in the Bible, but was first used in Greek and Roman armies. They were used to shoot bolt heads, or sharp small projectiles, at enemies. Its use continued until the Middle Ages, when crossbows took its place.
Description
The Ballista catapult has a design similar to a crossbow. Two levers are connected by a rope. The rope is pulled back on a strip of material and secured. a projectile is lodged between the piece of rope. When the rope is released, the tension in the rope causes the levers to snap back into place, taking the rope and projectile with it. The projectile shoots from the catapult and (hopefully) hits its target.
Pro's
This catapult can shoot projectiles from a large distance.
Con's
The projectiles used were usually small, sharp objects that couldn't cause major damage.
Picture
Mangonel
History
This catapult was used during the middle ages to break castle walls. The mangonel may have been named for the French stone called magnon.
Description
A pole with an attached space for ammunition is pulled back by a crank that is attached to the pole by a rope. Ammunition is loaded and the tension in the rope is released,sending the ammunition flying.
Pro's
This catapult usually had wheels, allowing it to be transported easily.
Con's
If the crank were to get stuck, it could take time to fix.
Picture
History
This catapult was used during the middle ages to break castle walls. The mangonel may have been named for the French stone called magnon.
Description
A pole with an attached space for ammunition is pulled back by a crank that is attached to the pole by a rope. Ammunition is loaded and the tension in the rope is released,sending the ammunition flying.
Pro's
This catapult usually had wheels, allowing it to be transported easily.
Con's
If the crank were to get stuck, it could take time to fix.
Picture
Trebuchet
History
The trebuchet was used to siege items or towns during the middle ages. The trebuchet also came in a smaller version earlier on in its use.
Description
A beam attached to an axle has an attached counterweight on the short end. On the long end is a sling with a pouch that carries the ammunition. A trigger is pulled and the beam swings upward. The counterweight stops the beam, causing the ammunition to fly out of the pouch.
Pro's
Could shoot large projectiles over a large distance.
Con's
The ammunition could fail to slide out of the pouch.
Picture
History
The trebuchet was used to siege items or towns during the middle ages. The trebuchet also came in a smaller version earlier on in its use.
Description
A beam attached to an axle has an attached counterweight on the short end. On the long end is a sling with a pouch that carries the ammunition. A trigger is pulled and the beam swings upward. The counterweight stops the beam, causing the ammunition to fly out of the pouch.
Pro's
Could shoot large projectiles over a large distance.
Con's
The ammunition could fail to slide out of the pouch.
Picture
What do they have in common???
Each catapult uses some form of tension to launch a projectile.
What are the differences???
Some catapults used different methods of causing the tension, and could only shoot certain projectiles.
Each catapult uses some form of tension to launch a projectile.
What are the differences???
Some catapults used different methods of causing the tension, and could only shoot certain projectiles.