Summary of Research Trebuchet. What 's that? A Trebuchet is a medieval siege weapon used to obliterate walls and to demolish castles and cities. The Trebuchet is a type of catapult, but they are not the same thing. Catapults get their power from tension and trebuchets get their power from gravity or men pulling ropes. First constructed in 300 B.C. by the Chinese and Trebuchets were also known as trebuckets, Trebuchets became known rapidly for their great power and exceptional accuracy. Trebuchets threw many things, here’s a list for you. The Trebuchet threw stones, sharp wooden poles, darts, fire, burning tar, burning sand, pots of Greek fire, feces, dead mangled bodies, disease ridden bodies, body parts, dead animals,