Cannonballs

Cannonballs are solid projectiles fired from cannons. Historically, they were primarily made of cast iron, though stone and lead were also used, particularly in earlier periods. The size and weight of cannonballs varied greatly depending on the cannon they were designed to be fired from, ranging from small grapeshot to heavy solid shot weighing hundreds of pounds.

The primary purpose of a cannonball was kinetic energy. Upon impact, the momentum of the heavy projectile could cause significant damage to fortifications, ships, and enemy personnel. Solid shot was most effective against structures, as it could penetrate walls and cause structural collapse. Against ships, solid shot could pierce wooden hulls, creating splinters and breaches that could lead to sinking. Against personnel, solid shot could cause devastating blunt force trauma.

During naval battles, cannonballs were a primary weapon. They were often fired in volleys to maximize their destructive potential. Specialized types of cannonballs also existed, such as chain-shot, which consisted of two cannonballs linked by a chain, designed to shred sails and rigging. Heated shot, known as "hot shot," was also used, intended to ignite wooden structures like ships or buildings. The development of more accurate and powerful cannons directly led to the evolution of cannonball design and effectiveness.