katapultoi

The katapultoi were a class of late Hellenistic mercenaries and warriors that appeared in the second half of the 3rd century BC. Members of this group were known for their exceptional skill in using catapults, or other siege engines, in combat. They often served as auxiliaries to the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt during the 3rd century BC.

Katapultoi were typically recruited from the eastern provinces of the Ancient Greek world, particularly from regions in Asia Minor and the Levant. Many of these warriors were likely veterans of various conflicts in the region, possessing specialized skills and experience in using siege engines.

Their primary role was to provide support to main battles through devastating ranged attacks delivered by catapults. These siege engines had a significant impact on the outcome of battles, allowing katapultoi to play a crucial role in various Ptolemaic and other Hellenistic campaigns.

Protection on the battlefield was relatively minimal for katapultoi, so they frequently positioned themselves behind shields and sought cover whenever intense battles unfolded. This positioning allowed them to maintain safety while concurrently firing catapults and causing damage to their enemies.

Despite their duties, there is little information available about the katapultoi in ancient sources. Consequently, much of what we know today about their role, tactics, and experiences was gathered from archaeological discoveries and inferences drawn from the background historical context in which they operated.