swordbreakers

Swordbreakers were a type of projectile weapon used in medieval warfare, primarily during sieges. Their purpose was to damage or destroy enemy siege engines, such as catapults and battering rams, by breaking their wooden components. Swordbreakers were typically large, heavy projectiles, often made of stone or iron, that were launched from siege engines like trebuchets or mangonels. The impact of these heavy objects could shatter beams, dislodge mechanisms, or otherwise incapacitate the siege weapon. While effective, their use was somewhat specialized, as they were not as versatile as projectiles designed to damage fortifications or personnel. The effectiveness of a swordbreaker depended on its weight, the trajectory of its launch, and the structural integrity of the target siege engine. The term itself implies a specific function, differentiating them from more general-purpose siege ammunition. They represent an interesting aspect of the tactical considerations employed during medieval siege warfare, where counter-siege weaponry played a significant role.