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Catapults: Most Well-Known Weapon In Medieval Warfare

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History of the Catapult
Catapults possibly the most well-known weapon in medieval warfare, some with the ability to shoot a rock or body over 1,300 ft. into enemy lines. However catapults date back a lot further than medieval times, and came in many more styles than you might think. The catapult was the ultimate long range weapon until the 14th century when gun powder and canons were introduced.
The first documented catapults originated in the 3rd and 4th century BC in China. The catapult was operated and was designed much like a large crossbow. However catapults only appeared in England in the middle ages in the year 1216. Ancient catapults were used frequently in China, Greece and ancient Rome. Whereas medieval catapults which were adapted from the ancient catapults were common in England and France.
The Ballista
The Ballista is a large crossbow like catapult believed to have been created by the Greeks but later adapted by the Romans. To fire it the operated would attach the rope onto a winch which would draw the rope backwards and would result in the large wooden arms to be bent backwards they would then load a sharp pointed stick (spear) or flaming arrow into the machine than release the rope. The projectiles would fly through the air with incredible accuracy and hit targets. However the Ballista was unable to launch projectiles great distances as it lacked power to make way for accuracy.
The Mangonel
The mangonel is the stereo typical …show more content…

However in biological warfare a catapult would launch diseased bodies over the city walls in the act to infect opposing citizens. The limitation however of the catapult was the inconsistent accuracy and the catapults use tension which uses ropes and ropes over time and usage can loose their strength and elasticity and so can the wood because of this parts frequently needed replacing wasting time and

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