After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE, siege engine technology evolved significantly during the medieval period, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. The Trebuchet: A New Era in Siege Warfare (9th-12th Century CE) The most famous medieval stone-throwing siege engine was the trebuchet, a large counterweight-powere
Greek Innovations: The Gastraphetes and Early Catapults (5th-4th Century BCE)
The earliest recorded mechanical stone-throwing device was the gastraphetes, invented by the ancient Greeks in the 5th century BCE. The gastraphetes, or "belly bow," was a handheld crossbow-like device used to shoot bolts or arrows. Around the 4th century BCE, Greek engineers began developing larger mechanical devices capable of hurling heavier
The History of Stone-Throwing Siege Engines: Origins, Development, and Impact
Stone-throwing siege engines, sometimes broadly called catapults or trebuchets, have played a critical role in warfare throughout history. These machines were designed to launch heavy projectiles such as stones, fireballs, or even diseased carcasses at enemy fortifications, troops, or ships, dramatically changing the nature of siege warfare. But wh
Cultural and Historical Significance
Margam Park’s history encapsulates many aspects of Welsh and British history: The influence of monasticism and medieval ecclesiastical power through Margam Abbey. The rise of the landed gentry and country house culture. The Victorian era’s architectural and industrial achievements. The social changes brought about by indus