HISTOry of the catapult
The catapult was invented with one purpose in mind - to hurl projectiles over a great distance. The first catapults were built in Greece, and were essential giant crossbows called the Gastraphete. A larger version of the Gastraphete is called the Ballista, but we'll get into that later.
The catapult improved as time went on. Cranks were added so that it could be reloaded easily. Wheels were added for mobility. New designs allowed the catapult to throw a variety of projectiles. The catapult went from defending the Greeks to a machine of mass warfare that broke down medieval castle walls to an ancient fan among avid gamers and engineers.
The catapult improved as time went on. Cranks were added so that it could be reloaded easily. Wheels were added for mobility. New designs allowed the catapult to throw a variety of projectiles. The catapult went from defending the Greeks to a machine of mass warfare that broke down medieval castle walls to an ancient fan among avid gamers and engineers.
Ballista
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/9/5/37954405/2696127.jpg?267)
The Ballista was designed by the Greeks and made for defending their city-states from danger. It looks like an enlarged crossbow (see left), but it was very accurate. The Ballista had two wooden arms that had ropes attached to each.The ropes were traditionally made of human hair or animal sinew. When the winch pulled back the bow-arms, the ropes were twisted, powering the Ballista. Then it just fired away.
Pros
High accuracy |
Cons
Limited projectile options |
Mangonel
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/9/5/37954405/3515507_orig.jpg)
The Mangonel is not a commonly known catapult, but valuable all the same. It fired projectiles like rocks from a bowl-shaped bucket at the end of a throwing arm made of timber. These projectiles would be thrown inan overhead arch. The ropes, again made of either human hair or animal sinew, were twisted, giving the force to propel the arm. Wheels were added so the Mangonel could be moved.
Pros
Can shoot up to 1,300 feet Mobile |
Cons
Inaccurate |
Trebuchet
![Picture](/uploads/3/7/9/5/37954405/2212370.jpg?309)
The trebuchet is essentially a giant, lethal seesaw. It had a giant arm - up to 60 feet in length! The fulcrum of the trebuchet is in the center, and the projectile is placed on the longer end of the catapult's arm. A massive forces acts on the shorter end in the form of a heavy weight or a ballet box. When the arm was released, the force would throw the longer end of the arm upwards, flinging the projectile across the battlefield.
Pros
Launches heavy-weight projectiles Range of 300 yards Mobile |
Cons
Complicated to build Doesn't have excellent accuracy or range |
Comparisons
DIFFERENCES:
-The Ballista is the most accurate.
-The Mangonel has the longest range.
-The Ballista has darts for projectiles.
-The Ballista is a crossbow and doesn't act as a lever.
IN COMMON WITH SOME:
-The trebuchet and the Mangonel can fire a variety of projectiles.
-The Mangonal and the trebuchet both act as levers.
IN COMMON:
-Used for warfare originally
-Complicated to build
-Improved as time went on
-Got wheels for movement
-The Ballista is the most accurate.
-The Mangonel has the longest range.
-The Ballista has darts for projectiles.
-The Ballista is a crossbow and doesn't act as a lever.
IN COMMON WITH SOME:
-The trebuchet and the Mangonel can fire a variety of projectiles.
-The Mangonal and the trebuchet both act as levers.
IN COMMON:
-Used for warfare originally
-Complicated to build
-Improved as time went on
-Got wheels for movement
Bibliography:
15Th Century Mangonel. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 7 Nov 2014.
"Ballista." Ballista. Siteseen Ltd, June 2014. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.
Ballista. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 7 Nov 2014.
"Mangonel." Mangonel. SiteSeen Ltd, June 2014. Web. 04 Nov. 2014.
Tevnane, Baintighearn A., CW. "Catapult History and Modern Day Construction." Catapult History and Modern Day Construction. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2014.
Traction Trebuchet.. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 7 Nov 2014.
"Trebuchet." Trebuchet. SiteSeen Ltd, June 2014. Web. 04 Nov. 2014.
15Th Century Mangonel. Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 7 Nov 2014.
"Ballista." Ballista. Siteseen Ltd, June 2014. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.
Ballista. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 7 Nov 2014.
"Mangonel." Mangonel. SiteSeen Ltd, June 2014. Web. 04 Nov. 2014.
Tevnane, Baintighearn A., CW. "Catapult History and Modern Day Construction." Catapult History and Modern Day Construction. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2014.
Traction Trebuchet.. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 7 Nov 2014.
"Trebuchet." Trebuchet. SiteSeen Ltd, June 2014. Web. 04 Nov. 2014.