Trebuchet

medieval weapons · siege engines · physics

Sling-powered launcher. A trebuchet had a long hinged arm with a sling attached to the tip. When the arm swung up, the sling would release and catapult a projectile (like a boulder or fireball) toward enemy castles.

Stronger than catapults. Trebuchets could launch heavier objects much farther than traditional catapults because of how the sling worked. The sling gave the projectile extra speed and distance as it was flung through the air.

Siege engine superstar. Armies used trebuchets to smash castle walls and gates during medieval sieges. They were one of the most powerful weapons around until cannons and gunpowder arrived.

Clever physics design. The hinged arm design let the trebuchet build up energy before release, similar to how a slingshot works but on a massive scale. This made it way more effective than just throwing something by hand.