Catapults In Medieval Time

Although some may believe that catapults were only utilized during the Medieval times, catapults have long been a part of history and have been diversely built by a number of civilizations. A catapult is a machine that fires projectiles by storing and quickly releasing energy. Catapults originated from the crossbow. As the crossbow increased in size, the weapon evolutionized into a machine, and the increase in size brought on changes in operation. The earliest known catapults were built and launched by the Greeks in 400 BC, and these catapults resembled something much like a large crossbow. This first crossbow was called the Gastraphete; the Greeks were so impressed by the destruction caused by the Gastraphete they built the Ballista for defense
The Trebuchet, a counterweight siege engine, is was designed to obtain maximum force. The Trebuchet was first created by the Chinese in 300 BC and arrived in Europe around 500 AD; this catapult was used to hurl stones at castle or city walls. The Trebuchet is a Type-1 lever, which means the force is applied on one end and the load on the other end with the fulcrum sitting between the two. The force is suppose to very large compared to the load. In addition, the Trebuchet makes use of the sling, the oldest projectile weapon, so there is a pouch that cradles the projectile and two long strings. Release is done with a nearly straight hook so that the sling swings out and eventually slips off the hook, which will discharge the projectile. One way to alter the catapult to improve distance results is to move the fulcrum toward the force end. To achieve the best results, however, one must make sure to have a calculated, precise angle to launch at as well as a compatible projectile to launch. The materials needed to build a Trebuchet include the following: heavy object for the projectile, small screws, small nails, eyehooks, wire or bread ties, electrical tape, string, cloth, and