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 projectiles, designed to breach fortifications or target enemy troops at a distance.

The Greek engineer Dionysius of Alexandria (circa 250 BCE) is credited with designing torsion-powered artillery pieces. These machines used twisted sinew or hair ropes to store energy and propel projectiles.

These early torsion-powered catapults (called ballistae) were primarily designed to shoot large bolts but could also throw stones.

The Roman Era: Advances and Widespread Use


The Romans further refined Greek siege technology, incorporating and adapting it for their vast empire-building campaigns.

Roman Ballista and Onager


By the 1st century BCE, the Romans used two primary stone-throwing siege engines:

  • Ballista: A torsion-powered device resembling a giant crossbow, used to launch large bolts or stones with accuracy over long distances.


  • Onager: A simpler torsion-powered catapult that hurled stones or other heavy projectiles using a single arm.



Roman armies relied on these machines heavily during sieges, helping to dismantle enemy walls and create breaches.

The Romans also innovated in standardizing siege equipment for military use and training specialized crews to operate these engines efficiently.

Roman Engineering Manuals


The Roman engineer Vitruvius, writing around 30 BCE, described these siege engines in his treatise De Architectura, providing detailed descriptions of their construction and use. shutdown123

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