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The Crossbow   >  Chapter 52   >  Antiquity of Balistas and Catapults   > p.264

Table of Contents List of Illustrations Index Appendix

Ancient Siege Engines

The final appearance of the catapult in warfare occurred during the siege of Gibraltar by the French and Spanish fleets, 1779-82.

Fig. 186.  - A Balista for Throwing Large Stones.
Fig. 186.  - A Balista for Throwing Large Stones.
Criticism. A balista of this kind, in my opinion, was never used for throwing stones. This weapon certainly could not do so unless for a short distance along, the ground. Its bowstring would soon be cut to pieces and there is no means for projecting the missile upwards.

On this occasion General Melville,1 at the desire of Lord Heathfield,2 caused a catapult to be made for projecting heavy stones over the edge of the precipice, so that they might fall on a ledge of rock frequented by the Spaniards where shells from mortars could not be aimed to reach them.

1 General Robert Melville, soldier and antiquary, born 1723, died 1809. He invented the carronade for use on board ships of war.

2 General George Eliot, created Lord Heathfield, 1787, for his successful defence of Gibraltar against the French and Spanish fleets, 1779-1782. His portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds is in the National Gallery, London.


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Roman Ballista Plans
Build a Working Model Roman Ballista Click Here for a larger image.Roman Ballista Plans

Build a Working Model Ballista with TrebuchetStore.com Ballista Plans and Instructions. Once complete, this Stone Throwing Ballista  is 2 feet long and will throw a scale projectile up to 90 feet.

Professional Design

Professionally engineered, this Roman Ballista design allows you to vary the elevation and bow strength for range and trajectory adjustment. Fire with a soft projectile for indoor use, or a solid one for long range outdoors.

Great Project

Resembling a crossbow, the ballista derives its power from skeins of twisted cord, just like a catapult. The Stone Throwing Ballista is perfect for demonstrating ancient Roman warfare and technology as well as the physics of torsion, ballistics and projectile motion. Ballistas make great science and history projects. 

Easy to Build

Like all  TrebuchetStore.com plans, the Ballista uses common, inexpensive and easy to find building materials, available at your local hardware store or home center. Basic woodworking skills and tools are required, but the straightforward design requires no complicated layout or joinery.

TrebuchetStore.com Ballista Plans come complete with:

  • Parts Shopping List
  • Measured Drawings for all parts
  • Assembly Drawings
  • Step by step Assembly Instructions
  • Step by step Firing and Tuning Instructions
All the information you need to complete your project quickly and easily.

Want to know how to build a ballista ? TrebuchetStore.com Ballista Plans and Instructions take the mystery out of Ballista design and construction.

The Crossbow   >  Chapter 52   >  Antiquity of Balistas and Catapults   > p.264

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