A catapult is a ballistic device that is uses to throw projectiles over a great distance. Although the catapult has been used since ancient times, it has proven to be one of the most effective mechanisms during warfare. The word 'catapult' comes from the Latin 'catapulta'. Castles and fortified walled cities were common during this period – and catapults were used as a key siege weapon against them. As well as attempting to breach the walls,flammable missiles could be thrown inside—or early biological warfare attempted with diseased carcasses or rotten garbage catapulted over the walls. The Medieval Catapults history dates back to ancient times. Various types of Medieval Catapults were used by the Chinese, Greeks and Romans. The Medieval Catapults
…show more content…
The springald design is similar to that of the ballista, in that it was effectively a crossbow propelled by tension. The early ballista in Ancient Greece was developed from two weapons called oxybeles and gastraphetes. The gastraphetes was a hand held crossbow. It had a composite prod and was spanned by bracing the front end of the weapon against the ground while placing the end of a slider mechanism against the stomach. The operator would then walk forward to arm the weapon while a ratchet prevented it from shooting during loading. The Springald frame was more compact, allowing for use inside tighter confines, such as the inside of a castle or tower. These machines were designed to throw heavy projectiles from a “bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm”. Mangonels were mostly used for “firing various missiles at fortresses, castles, and cities,” with a range of up to 1,300 feet. These missiles included anything from stones to excrement to rotting carcasses. Mangonels were relatively simple to construct, and eventually wheels were added to increase mobility The Mangonel is what many people think of when they think of a catapult. From the Latin word "manganon" meaning engine of war. The Mangonel was invented by the Romans in 400 BC. The Mangonel consists of a long wood arm with a bucket with a rope attached to the end. The arm is then pulled back at a 90° angle then
The springald design is similar to that of the ballista, in that it was effectively a crossbow propelled by tension. The early ballista in Ancient Greece was developed from two weapons called oxybeles and gastraphetes. The gastraphetes was a hand held crossbow. It had a composite prod and was spanned by bracing the front end of the weapon against the ground while placing the end of a slider mechanism against the stomach. The operator would then walk forward to arm the weapon while a ratchet prevented it from shooting during loading. The Springald frame was more compact, allowing for use inside tighter confines, such as the inside of a castle or tower. These machines were designed to throw heavy projectiles from a “bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm”. Mangonels were mostly used for “firing various missiles at fortresses, castles, and cities,” with a range of up to 1,300 feet. These missiles included anything from stones to excrement to rotting carcasses. Mangonels were relatively simple to construct, and eventually wheels were added to increase mobility The Mangonel is what many people think of when they think of a catapult. From the Latin word "manganon" meaning engine of war. The Mangonel was invented by the Romans in 400 BC. The Mangonel consists of a long wood arm with a bucket with a rope attached to the end. The arm is then pulled back at a 90° angle then