Trebuchets vs.Catapults
Technically, trebuchets are a type of catapult as they launch objects into the air. What most of us deem a catapult though, uses tension instead of a falling weight.
Catapults generally used a large, springy piece of wood which would have been wound up. This then give tension to the wood and when released the arm pulls up and hits a stop then releasing the projectile.
Trebuchets, in contrast, use a weight which pull down a lever arm, launching it up into the air. A sling is attached which then released the projectile. Trebuchets are generally capable of hurling great amounts of weight and became much more common in medieval warfare in later years.
Catapults generally used a large, springy piece of wood which would have been wound up. This then give tension to the wood and when released the arm pulls up and hits a stop then releasing the projectile.
Trebuchets, in contrast, use a weight which pull down a lever arm, launching it up into the air. A sling is attached which then released the projectile. Trebuchets are generally capable of hurling great amounts of weight and became much more common in medieval warfare in later years.
In this video, observe the differences between the first, a trebuchet, and the next few, catapults. Observe how they are different and how they are similar. |
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