Catapult History
FREE Shipping
On All
U.S. Orders
View Shopping Cart
All Orders Processed
On a Secure Server
Trebuchet Store Main Page
Products
Assembled Model Trebuchet
Model Trebuchet Kits
Step by Step Plans and Instructions
Medieval Trebuchet
Roman Ballista
Tennis Ball Trebuchet
Golf Ball Trebuchet
Stirling Trebuchet
da Vinci Trebuchet
Highland Trebuchet
Statistics Catapult
da Vinci Spring Catapult
Repeating Crossbow
Onager Catapult
Archimedes Water Screw
Trebuchet
Multi-Pack Plans Deals
Catapult Books
Build Three Working Model Catapults
Projectile Throwing Engines
of The Ancients
Trebuchet and Catapult Design
How Does a Trebuchet Work ?
Catapult vs Trebuchet
Human Powered Trebuchet
Simple Slingshot to the Trebuchet
Hybrid Trebuchet
Human Catapult
Catapult Design Plans
Types of Catapults
Types of Trebuchets
Ancient Engineers
Archimedes
Renaissance Engineers
Leonardo da Vinci
Ancient Engineering
Archimedes Screw
Archimedes Burning Mirror
Archimedes Claw
Archimedes Lever
Ballista
Renaissance Engineering
Giant Crossbow
Build a Crossbow
Trebuchet Sling Release
Defensive Trebuchet
Basic Trebuchet Design
Modern Catapults
Six Sigma and Process Control
Grenade Catapult in WW1
Free Books Online
The Crossbow
Projectile Throwing Engines
of the Ancients
Online Video
Catapult and Trebuchet Plans
Trebuchet Design
History
History and Mechanics of Trebuchets
Catapult Build a Catapult
Sling Weapons
Ancient Projectile Engines
Catapult History
Catapult and Trebuchet Illustrations
Siege Warfare
The Crusades
Medieval Siege
Roman Siege
Trench Warfare
Winter Siege
Traction Trebuchet
Siege of Syracuse
Siege Diagram
Animation
Trebuchet Animation
Catapult Animation
Large Trebuchet
Onager
Mangonel
Free Plans
Free Ballista Plans
Free Catapult Plans
Free Trebuchet Plans
Free Crossbow Plans
Modern Crossbow Plans Free
Gear
Trebuchet and Catapult Gear
Kind Words from Trebuchet Owners
Get  a Free Trebuchet Catalog
Have a Question? Please Contact Us
Site Index
Copyright © 2001-22
Gravity Power
Free Online Version of The Book of The Crossbow

The Crossbow   >   Chapter 51   >   Introductory Notes   >   Siege Engines   > p.249

Table of Contents List of Illustrations Index Appendix

Chapter LI

Catapult History
Introductory Notes on the Siege Engines Used in Ancient
and Medieval Times for Discharging Great Stones and Arrows

In connection with the history of the crossbow - or as some old writers term it, the manubalista - it will be of interest to describe among other engines the balista, the original weapon from which the crossbow is said to have been adapted.

The ancient balista resembled the crossbow in its general construction, though the former - which was employed for propelling huge darts against the defenders or besiegers of a fortified castle or town - was of immensely greater size.1

Fig. 178. - The Trebuchet or Sling Engine.
Fig. 178. - The Trebuchet or Sling Engine.

Criticism. - As the Arm has been brought into an upright position by its counterpoises, the stone should have been projected from the sling. See fig. 212, p. 310.

The three projectile engines used in ancient and medieval sieges, were the Balista, the Catapult and the Trebuchet. The first named discharged great arrows and the other two cast pieces of rock and heavy balls of stone.

The balista and the catapult date from time immemorial but the trebuchet was an early mediaeval invention. All three engines were employed for many years after the first appearance of cannon in warfare.

The catapult was sometimes known as Onager. It was also called a Mangonel. The word 'scorpion' refers I consider to the balista. In his history of the catapult Procopius tells us that the catapult was termed 'onager' or 'wild ass' because it was likened to this animal, which when harried by dogs kept them off by scattering stones with its hind feet.

1 The balista had not, however, a bow in one piece like a crossbow. It had two arms joined by a bowstring, each arm working independently between twisted cords. See Chapter LVII.

The Crossbow   >   Chapter 51   >   Introductory Notes   >   Siege Engines   > p.249


Table of Contents List of Illustrations <<   Previous Page Next Page   >>

Step by Step Plans and Instructions Save with Plans Deals
Calculate Trebuchet Shipping
International Orders International Orders
Click Here

Roman Ballista Plans Highland Trebuchet Plans da Vinci Spring Catapult Plans DaVinci Trebuchet Plans
Roman Ballista Highland Trebuchet daVinci Catapult daVinci Trebuchet
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
Plan # BP1
Plan # TP6
Plan # CP2
Plan # TP5
Add These Plans to Your Cart
Add These Plans to Your Cart
Add These Plans to Your Cart
Add These Plans to Your Cart
U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only
Tennis Ball Trebuchet Plans Table Top Trebuchet Plans Golf Ball Trebuchet Plans Stirling Trebuchet Plans
Tennis Ball Trebuchet Medieval Trebuchet Golf Ball Trebuchet Stirling Trebuchet
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
Plan # TP2
Plan # TP1
Plan # TP3
Plan # TP4
Add These Plans to Your Cart Add These Plans to Your Cart Add These Plans to Your Cart Add These Plans to Your Cart
U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only
Tabletop Roman Onager Plans Mangonel Catapult Plans Statistical Catapult Plans Build a Repeating Crossbow - Repeating Crossbow Plans
Roman Onager Roman Mangonel Statistics Catapult Repeating Crossbow
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
$12.95
FREE Shipping
Plan # OP1
Plan # MP1
Plan # CP1
Plan # RC1
Add These Plans to Your Cart Add These Plans to Your Cart Add These Plans to Your Cart Add These Plans to Your Cart
U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only
Archimedes Water Screw Plans Trebuchet Plans    
Archimedes Screw  Trebuchet    
$12.95
FREE Shipping
 $12.95
Free Shipping
   
Plan # WS1
Plan # TP7
Add These Plans to Your Cart  Add These Plans to Your Cart    
U.S. Orders Only U.S. Orders Only

Save up to 50% with Multi-Plan Deals

2 Plans $19.95 FREE Shipping - Save Over 30%
U.S. Orders Only
Select Plan # 1
Select Plan # 2
3 Plans $24.95 FREE Shipping - Save Over 35%
U.S. Orders Only
Select Plan # 1
Select Plan # 2
Select Plan # 3
4 Plans $29.95 FREE Shipping - Save over 40%
U.S. Orders Only
Select Plan # 1
Select Plan # 2
Select Plan # 3
Select Plan # 4
6 Plans $36.95 FREE Shipping - Save Over 50%
U.S. Orders Only
Select Plan # 1
Select Plan # 2
Select Plan # 3
Select Plan # 4
Select Plan # 5
Select Plan # 6

Get a Book of Catapult and Trebuchet Plans

Book of Catapult Plans
On Amazon.com
"Build Three Working Model Catapults, Easy to Build Plans and Instructions"

Build Three Working Model Catapults, Easy to Build Plans and Instructions is ideal for anyone looking to build authentic, working model catapults.

This book contains professionally designed, step-by-step plans and instructions for building three working model catapults:

The Stone Throwing Ballista, da Vinci's Spring Catapult and The Highland Trebuchet using parts and materials available from your local home center, or hardware store.

The straightforward designs require no complicated layout or joinery and include:

  • A Complete Parts and Materials Shopping List
  • Measured Drawings and Dimensions for All Individual Parts
  • Step-by-Step Assembly Drawings
  • Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
  • Detailed Construction Notes
  • Step-by-Step Firing and Tuning Instructions
  • A Photo of the Completed Catapult

Working Model Trebuchet Kit DIY Trebuchet Kit Shipping

Trebuchet Kit
TK1
$75.00
FREE Shipping
U.S. Orders Only
The trebuchet kit includes fully precut and drilled frame parts, pins and axles, sling cord and sewn pouch, projectiles and fully illustrated assembly and firing instructions. 

Unlike the flimsy, snap together plywood trebuchet kits, our all hardwood trebuchet kit does not require additional cutting, trimming or shaping.

Requires only white carpenter's glue and a few bar clamps (not included) to assemble.

Read More >>


Build a Trebuchet From Plans
Picture of working model trebuchet made from plans.
Trebuchet Plans
$12.95
Free Shipping
See More >>
Add These Plans to Your Cart
U.S. Orders Only
  • Materials Shopping List
  • Complete Parts List
  • Measured Drawings for All Parts
  • Step-By-Step Assembly Drawings 
  • Construction Details and Notes
  • How a Trebuchet Works
  • Illustrated Firing Instructions
  • Illustrated Tuning Instructions
  • Picture of the Completed Trebuchet

Fully Assembled Working Models
Assembled Model Trebuchet Shipping


daVinci Trebuchet
T4
$299.00
FREE Shipping
U.S. Orders Only
   
Inspired by the great war machines and siege catapults of Leonardo da Vinci , this all Red Oak hardwood trebuchet features an open counterweight cabinet for range and trajectory adjustment. 

Individually crafted from cabinet-grade red oak, the da Vinci Trebuchet stands 14 inches tall in the cocked position, 24 inches tall in the fired position and will hurl a projectile up to 60 feet. Includes six projectiles and fully illustrated instructions.

Read More >>


Contact Us Site Index Privacy Policy