Catapult

medieval weapons · physics · siege engines · ancient technology

Energy Release Power. Catapults work by storing up energy slowly (like pulling back a bow or twisting ropes) and then letting it all go at once to fling a projectile incredibly far and fast.

Launched Many Things. Ancient and medieval catapults could hurl rocks, cannonballs, flaming debris, and even diseased animals at enemy fortresses to break down walls and scare defenders.

Clever Mechanics. Different catapults used different energy sources like twisted rope, bent wood springs, or elastic materials to store and release their launching power.

Siege Weapon Master. Catapults were the ultimate siege engines that let armies attack castle walls and fortified cities from a safe distance before gunpowder weapons were invented.

No Explosives Needed. Unlike cannons and guns, catapults didn't need gunpowder to work, so armies could build and use them with materials they could find almost anywhere.