trebuchet

 The Medieval Trebuchet was similar to a catapult, or stave sling, which was used for hurling heavy stones to smash castle or city walls. The trebuchet was simply an improvement of the catapult over time ensuring that the weapon could inflict the most damage possible. The traction trebuchet is believed to be an ancient war engine, which was invented in China in 300BC. The Trebuchet was designed as a giant catapult, or sling. Missiles thrown from the Trebuchet catapults were deadly. The Trebuchet is generally associated with throwing stones. A Trebuchet could release up to 2000 stones in one day! Trebuchet missiles included the following objects:

▪   Stones

▪   Sharp wooden poles and darts

▪   Fire

▪   Casks of Burning Tar

▪   Burning Sand ( this became trapped inside armor )

▪   Pots of Greek Fire

▪   Dung

▪   Dead, sometime mutilated, bodies

▪   Disease ridden bodies

▪   Body parts

▪   Dead animals

▪   Any rotting matter

▪   Quicklime