MangonelFacts and interesting information about Medieval Weapons, Armor and arms,
specifically, the Mangonel Definition of a Medieval Mangonel
The Medieval Mangonel was a weapon used during siege warfare. The Medieval Mangonel was similar to a catapult which worked by using torsion or counterpoise. Mangonels fired heavy projectiles from a bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm. Definition and Origin of the Medieval Mangonel
The word Medieval Mangonel is derived from the Latin word manganon which means “an engine of war”. Description and Medieval Mangonel Design
One of the siege weapons used the Medieval times include the Medieval Mangonel. Mangonels fired heavy projectiles from a bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm. The Medieval Mangonel was used for aiming various missiles at castles, fortresses and cities. This type of Medieval Catapult was easy to construct and wheels were added to the design to ensure manoeuvrability. The Medieval Mangonel complimented the other available siege weapons. The Medieval Mangonel was not as accurate as the Ballista but it was able to throw missiles further than a Trebuchet. Missiles were thrown in an overhead arc as opposed to the straight trajectory of the dart throwing Ballista. Medieval Mangonel History
The Medieval Mangonel is believed to be an ancient war engine which invented by the Romans in 400BC as a light alternative to the Ballista which also had the addition of wheels. The Medieval Mangonel reached Europe during the Medieval era and was used extensively by the French. It was introduced in England in 1216 during the Siege of Dover. Building and Design of the Medieval Mangonel
The Medieval Mangonel was a highly accurate siege engine requiring expert building and design skills. Mangonels were capable of firing projectiles up to 1,300 feet. The Medieval Mangonel had one arm which was made of timber. Missiles were launched from a bowl-shaped bucket at the end of the arm. The rope attached to the arm was the spring of the Medieval Mangonel. The ropes are made of twisted strands of human hair or animal sinew. The rope at the bottom end of the throwing arm was twisted, providing the force to propel the arm.. Wheels were added to the base of the Medieval Mangonel ensuring manoeuvrability. Medieval Mangonel Catapults
The Medieval Mangonel could launch missiles across long distances. Attackers were ingenious in their ideas for launching projectiles which would cause as much distress and discomfort inside the castle walls. Medieval Mangonel missiles included the following objects: - Stones
- Sharp wooden poles and darts
- Fire
- Casks of Burning Tar
- Burning Sand ( this became trapped inside armor )
- Pots of Greek Fire
- Dung
- Dead, sometime mutilated, bodies
- Disease ridden bodies
- Body parts
- Dead animals
- Any rotting matter
- Quicklime
Building a Medieval Mangonel
Building a Medieval Mangonel required the design and building skills. Siege weapons, such as the Medieval Mangonel, were made to order! They were far too cumbersome to move from one place to another. In a siege situation the commander would assess the situation and the siege weapons design requirements to break a siege. Engineers would instruct soldiers as to the construction and building of siege weapons such as the Medieval Mangonel. Medieval Weapons and Armor - Medieval Mangonel
The Medieval Life and Times website provides interesting facts, history and information about the weapons, armor and battles in Medieval history, including the Medieval Mangonel, which scatter the history books. The Medieval Times Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts about the fascinating subject of the lives of the soldiers and knights who lived during the historical period of the Middle Ages. The content of this article on Medieval Mangonel provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework for history courses and history coursework.
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