Katapultos

KatapultosThe 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.

What is a catapult?

One of the problems with warfare throughout history was that enemies had the annoying habit of hiding behindfortifications. 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 destroyingyour 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

There are three main types of catapults

Similar to a giant

crossbow.

Tension powered.Launched

darts.

Comes from the Greek

word “Ballistes”,

which means “to throw”.

The Ballista

Sub-category of the Ballista.

Meant to fire darts from

inside fortress walls.

Springald

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”.

Mangonel

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”.

Mangonel

Early basis for the

Mangonel.

Originally used a sling,

which was later

changed to the bucket

used for the Mangonel

Onager

Gravity powered

sling.

Comes from the French word

“Trebucher” meaning

“throw over”.

Trebuchet

What is a catapult?  

List 3 types of

catapults:

Questions