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400 BCE
Mangonel
The Mangonel is what many people think of when they think of a catapult. From the Latin word "manganon" meaning engine of war. The Mangonel was invented by the Romans in 400 BC. The Mangonel fired projectiles in an overhead arc, the angle of the path of the projectile could be determined by a block placed on the beam that stopped the Mangonel's arm. -
50 BCE
First Catapult
The first known catapult is called the Ballista. The Ballista is basically a giant crossbow. The word Ballista comes from the Greek word "Ballistes" meaning throw. Believed to have been invented by the Greeks and later modified by the Romans. The Ballista was created to amply to range and power of the crossbow. -
500
Trebuchet
The Trebuchet arrived in Europe around 500 AD. A sling was attached to the end of the long arm. A rope was attached to the long arm and pulled down until the counterbalance was high in the air. The energy was stored in the potential energy of the counterbalance. The sling was then loaded with projectiles. The rope was released and the counterbalance plummets down, releasing the projectiles. -
Modern Day
Catapults stopped being an effective military tool in 885 AD. Now, we use them for less violent purposes such as launching food across a lunch room!
