The word 'Catapult' comes from the
two Greek words "kata"
(downward) and "pultos" (a small
circular battle shield).
Katapultos was then taken to mean
"shield piercer".
• A catapult is any kind of
device that shoots or
launches a projectile by
mechanical means, a great
distance without the aid of
explosive devices.
One of the problems with warfare throughout history was that enemies had
the annoying habit of hiding behind
fortifications. The solution: to find a way of beating down,
piercing or otherwise destroying part of the wall so as to gain entry.
Alternatively, it was equally important to be able to keep others intent on
destroying
your walls at bay. Enter the one armed throwing engine or siege engine.
Today, catapults are used for many different purposes. Did you
know that they are used to launch planes on aircraft carriers where
runway space is limited? Engineers have found many useful and
fun modern applications for this ancient technology!
Annual Catapult Pumpkin Contest
And 2 sub categories of catapults
Similar to a
giant
crossbow.
Tension
powered.
Launched
darts.
Comes from
the Greek
word
“Ballistes”,
which means
“to throw”.
Subcategory of
the Ballista.
Meant to fire
darts from
inside
fortress
walls.
Torsion powered.
Hurled objects
from a cup on an
arm.
1,300 foot range.
Capabilities in
between a
Bastilla and a
Trebuchet.
From the Latin
word
“manganon”,
meaning “an
engine of war”.
Torsion powered.
Hurled objects
from a cup on an
arm.
1,300 foot range.
Capabilities in
between a
Bastilla and a
Trebuchet.
From the Latin
word
“manganon”,
meaning “an
engine of war”.
Early basis
for the
Mangonel.
Originally
used a sling,
which was
later
changed to
the bucket
used for the
Mangonel
Gravity
powered
sling.
Comes
from the
French
word
“Trebucher
” meaning
“throw
over”.
What is a catapult?
List 3 types of catapults: