Trebuchet

These massive engines are similar to catapults, but they derive their power from gravity. A trebuchet’s throwing arm is a rigid beam with a heavy weight at one end and a sling or cup for projectiles at the other. When the beam is released, the force of the falling weight hurls the projectile in a high arch. Like catapults, trebuchets fire large stones or masses of smaller objects.

Trebuchets generally are left in place once they are sited for a battle. A full crew can change a trebuchet’s facing after 30 minutes of work.

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