Catapult
Channel: all the knowledge of the universe PRINCIPIA
Date: 2021-12-10

Catapult, by Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki?curid=7063 / CC BY SA 3.0

#Projectile_weapons
#Siege_engines
#Obsolete_technologies
Basic diagram of catapult A catapult is a ballistic device used to launch a projectile a great distance without the aid of gunpowder or other propellants – particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines.
A catapult uses the sudden release of stored potential energy to propel its payload.
Most convert tension or torsion energy that was more slowly and manually built up within the device before release, via springs, bows, twisted rope, elastic, or any of numerous other materials and mechanisms.
In use since ancient times, the catapult has proven to be one of the most persistently effective mechanisms in warfare.
In modern times the term can apply to devices ranging from a simple hand-held implement （also called a "slingshot"） to a mechanism for launching aircraft from a ship.
The earliest catapults date to at least the 4th century BC with the advent of the mangonel in ancient China, a type of traction trebuchet and catapult.
Early uses were also attributed to Ajatashatru of Magadha in his war against the Licchavis.
Greek catapults were invented in the early 4th century BC, being attested by Diodorus Siculus as part of the equipment of a Greek army in 399 BC, and subsequently used at the siege of Motya in 397 BC. The word 'catapult' comes from the Latin 'catapulta',
which in turn comes from the Greek Ancient Greek: καταπέλτης （katapeltēs）, itself from κατά （kata）, "downwards" and πάλλω （pallō）, "to toss, to hurl".
Catapults were invented by the ancient Greeks and in ancient India where they were used by the Magadhan Emperor Ajatshatru around
the early to mid 5th century BC. Ancient mechanical artillery: Catapults （standing）, the chain drive of Polybolos （bottom center）,
Gastraphetes （on wall） Engraving illustrating a Roman catapult design, 1581 Roman "catapult-nest" in the Trajan's Dacian Wars The catapult and cross...