tanquets

Tanquets are a type of medieval siege weapon, characterized by their long, narrow shape and the use of a counterweight to launch projectiles. The term "tanquet" is derived from the Old French word "tanque," which means "tankard" or "jug," reflecting the weapon's cylindrical form. Tanquets were typically made of wood and were designed to be mounted on siege engines such as trebuchets or ballistas.

The primary function of a tanquet was to store and launch projectiles, usually stones or other heavy objects, at enemy fortifications. The weapon consisted of a cylindrical barrel with a hinged lid at one end, which could be opened to load the projectile. Once loaded, the lid was closed and secured, and the tanquet was then mounted on the siege engine.

The counterweight of the siege engine would be used to swing the tanquet around, building up momentum. At the apex of the swing, the counterweight would be released, causing the tanquet to swing back and launch the projectile with great force. The range and accuracy of the projectile depended on the design and size of the tanquet, as well as the power of the siege engine.

Tanquets were used extensively during the medieval period, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries. They were valued for their ability to launch projectiles over long distances and with significant force, making them a valuable asset in sieges and battles. However, their effectiveness was limited by the need for a large and powerful siege engine to operate them, as well as the difficulty of loading and unloading the projectiles.