Credit: Ron L. Toms
License: CC BY 3.0
Credit URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org...
Comments: A Greek or Roman Ballista Catapult
Credit: Oren Rozen
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Credit URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org...
Comments: Replica of Roman Ballista in the Hecht Museum, Haifa
From Wikipedia: A catapult is a ballistic device used to launch a projectile a great distance without the aid of gunpowder or other propellants – particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines. A catapult uses the sudden release of stored potential energy to propel its payload. Most convert tension or torsion energy that was more slowly and manually built up within the device before release, via springs, bows, twisted rope, elastic, or any of numerous other materials and mechanisms.
