Siege Weapons

Trebuchet

Trebuchet

A trebuchet is an engine that hurls large projectiles. They are extremely accurate and were used mainly to breach castle walls and destroy buildings inside. 

Crossbow

Crossbow

Crossbows are bowed weapons that use a mechanism to hold the taut bow in place. The wielder triggers the release of the bow, sending the projectile flying.

Cat

Cat

Cats are protective sheds used to shield besiegers during a combat operation, such as undermining walls or filling up moats.

Siege Tower

Siege Tower

Siege towers are giant movable buildings – big rectangles on wheels that protect attackers as they approach the castle and give access to the tops of its walls.

Mangonel

Mangonel

The mangonel is a class of medieval siege engine that hurls stones and other missiles by means of its single arm.

Longbow

Longbow

Longbows were larger-sized versions of typical bow and arrow weapons. A team of bowmen could rain down a hailstorm of arrows onto enemies.

Cannon

Cannon

Considered a weapon of mass destruction by medieval standards, the cannon is powered by gunpowder. 

Siege Ladder

Siege Ladder

Scaling ladders have been used in battles all over the world. Many have hooks at the bottom to dig into the ground or hooks at the top to grapple.

Siege Crossbow

Siege Crossbow

A larger version of the standard crossbow, the siege crossbow is designed specifically for defending a castle.

Perrier

The perrier works on the principle of counterpoise, with a stone missile propelled from a sling. In this case, the arm is swung by human muscle power rather than by a heavy counterweight.