Catapultes

Catapults are ancient siege engines used to hurl projectiles over walls or at enemy forces. The term "catapult" is a broad category, and several distinct types existed, each with its own mechanism and effectiveness.

The earliest known catapults were likely torsion-powered devices. These machines stored energy in twisted ropes, typically made of animal sinew or hair. When released, the tension in the ropes propelled a throwing arm. The onager, a common example, used a powerful spring to launch large stones or flaming projectiles. Another type, the ballista, resembled a large crossbow and was used for more precise, rapid firing of smaller projectiles like arrows or javelins.

Later developments, particularly during the Roman era, saw the introduction of the mangonel and the trebuchet. The mangonel was also a torsion-powered engine, often employing a sling to increase the range and velocity of its payload. The trebuchet, which gained prominence in the Middle Ages, was a counterweight catapult. It used a heavy weight to swing a long beam, with a sling attached to the end. This design allowed for the launching of significantly heavier projectiles than earlier torsion-powered machines, making it a formidable weapon for breaching fortifications.

Catapults were crucial in ancient and medieval warfare, enabling attackers to overcome defensive structures and inflict damage from a distance. Their development reflects a continuous innovation in siege technology driven by the need to break through fortifications.