Ballista

Siege engine400 BCGreece/RomeGreeks/Romans

TypeSiege engine

OriginGreece/Rome

Era400 BC

UsersGreeks/Romans

About Ballista

A giant crossbow firing bolts or stone balls. Developed from the Greek gastraphetes. Roman ballistae could pierce shields at 500 meters. The Scorpio was a smaller, more portable version. Torsion springs made of sinew and hair provided the power.

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