Catapults were primarily used as military weapons throughout history. They were siege engines designed to launch projectiles such as stones, arrows, darts, or incendiary materials over great distances to damage enemy fortifications or troops. In ancient times, catapults were powerful tools for breaching walls or harassing defenders by hurling heavy stones or other damaging objects, including firebrands or even diseased carcasses to spread pestilence. They were employed in both offensive and defensive maneuvers during sieges and battles by civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and medieval European armies. The catapult also evolved into various forms, including the ballista (for shooting arrows or bolts) and the trebuchet (a gravity-powered variant). In more modern times, catapults have been adapted for launching aircraft from carriers and to demonstrate principles in physics and engineering. Key uses:
- Launching stones, arrows, or other projectiles over city or castle walls in sieges.
- Inflicting damage on enemy troops and fortifications.
- Throwing incendiary or diseased materials to cause additional destruction.
- Military defense and offense in ancient and medieval warfare.
- Modern adaptations include launching aircraft from ships and educational demonstrations.
This military use spanned from ancient Greece (around 400 BC) through medieval times and even saw limited use in trench warfare during World War I.
