The Evolution of Pre-Gunpowder artillery Pt1
There are any number of histories of catapults and this is mine. It is based on ten years of independent research, both practical and theoretical. It doesn't agree completely with any other history, but at the very least my catapults work.
In the begining...
Where it all comes from...
All catapults trace their evolution back to these two prehistoric hunting weapons, the bow and the sling. The bow was a simple enough weapon to begin with but it developed into a technically advanced weapon that often required a highly trained and skilled operator. The sling also required a high degree of skill to use effectively and although it did not become particularly advanced itself, it did give rise to some of the most powerful artillery designs. Both weapons also maintained a presence on the battlefield until very recently.
All catapults trace their evolution back to these two prehistoric hunting weapons, the bow and the sling. The bow was a simple enough weapon to begin with but it developed into a technically advanced weapon that often required a highly trained and skilled operator. The sling also required a high degree of skill to use effectively and although it did not become particularly advanced itself, it did give rise to some of the most powerful artillery designs. Both weapons also maintained a presence on the battlefield until very recently.
Gastraphetes
When things started to change.
In 399BC Dionysius I of Syracuse was preparing for war with Carthage and gathered together specialist artisans to produce military equipment. One of the things they came up with was an oversized bow attached to a spanning frame. The slide was pushed forward and the trigger secured on the string. The operator
then braced the front of the slide against something solid and pushed the carrier forward bracing himself against it giving the weapon its name - gastraphetes -belly bow.
In 399BC Dionysius I of Syracuse was preparing for war with Carthage and gathered together specialist artisans to produce military equipment. One of the things they came up with was an oversized bow attached to a spanning frame. The slide was pushed forward and the trigger secured on the string. The operator
then braced the front of the slide against something solid and pushed the carrier forward bracing himself against it giving the weapon its name - gastraphetes -belly bow.
Oxybeles
The gastraphetes gave rise to a mounted version which allowed the adding of a winch yielding more power.
This weapon was deployed on the battlefield and as part of defensive works having a notable impact on the design of defensive planning allowing for the new fields of fire possible. The weapon was developed into stone and "sharp" (arrow) throwing versions. This weapon was generally referred to as an oxybeles.
This weapon was deployed on the battlefield and as part of defensive works having a notable impact on the design of defensive planning allowing for the new fields of fire possible. The weapon was developed into stone and "sharp" (arrow) throwing versions. This weapon was generally referred to as an oxybeles.
Philip of Macedon and torsion power
Phillip II of Macedon acquired an interest in catapults when his famed phalanx formation proved to be vulnerable to the oxybeles whe in one battle the Macedonians pushed an enemy back into a valley where the enemy had deployed artillery on the high ground. The normally short
range oxybeles was able to route the Macedonians with enfilade fire.
Phillip is credited with introduction of the torsion catapult. The use of twisted ropes as a tensioning
system already existed in the form of a spine in warships that was tensions to reduce hogging and sagging in the lightly framed ships. Phillips new catapult employed sinew skeins initially wrapped around a frame to drive a throwing arm. This had limited potential and was improved by putting a hole through the frame and twisting up the skein with a bar. This gave more power, but tended to eat
into the frame. the final step was the creation of a washer and counterplate system which became the dominant form of artillery propulsion for the better part of a millenium.
range oxybeles was able to route the Macedonians with enfilade fire.
Phillip is credited with introduction of the torsion catapult. The use of twisted ropes as a tensioning
system already existed in the form of a spine in warships that was tensions to reduce hogging and sagging in the lightly framed ships. Phillips new catapult employed sinew skeins initially wrapped around a frame to drive a throwing arm. This had limited potential and was improved by putting a hole through the frame and twisting up the skein with a bar. This gave more power, but tended to eat
into the frame. the final step was the creation of a washer and counterplate system which became the dominant form of artillery propulsion for the better part of a millenium.
Ballista
The weapon that came from the washer system of Phillip is usually known as the ballista. This is a Latin corruption of the Greek ballistra. All these names are variations of "throwing weapon". Some indicating they threw stones or sharpes, were big or small. The ballista would used extensively in the Roman Army and at one point each legion would be equipped with one ballista to each century giving the legion a substantial amount of fire power.
This machine would be a large arrow thrower and the Team TCTD (Tiny Crash Test Dummy) member is in shame because he has lost the throwing arm.
This machine would be a large arrow thrower and the Team TCTD (Tiny Crash Test Dummy) member is in shame because he has lost the throwing arm.
lithobolos
he Ballista evolved into many forms large and small. Phillips son, Alexander, employed his fathers engineers and machines to take towns. The large stone throwing lithobolos was used against human targets on the walls at Halicarnassus and Alexander noted the effect on walls. At Tyre Alexander employed two large artillery towers. These were frequently mistaken for siege towers by were actually intended to be used to break the walls of Tyre by artillery fire.
This was the first time in history this had been attempted. The attempt failed but the ability of artillery in seige had become apparent.
This was the first time in history this had been attempted. The attempt failed but the ability of artillery in seige had become apparent.
onager
The Romans employed great numbers of catapults in various forms large and small.They also developed a number of measures to improve the performance of the catapults.
Perhaps their greatest innovations was the perfection of a one armed throwing machine, the onager. Kicking mule in Latin. The onager used half the washers needed for a ballista and was a lot more simple to operate. It was however, less mobile.
Perhaps their greatest innovations was the perfection of a one armed throwing machine, the onager. Kicking mule in Latin. The onager used half the washers needed for a ballista and was a lot more simple to operate. It was however, less mobile.