About Catapults

A catapult is a military device that was used in ancient and medieval times to hurl stones, spears, and other objects. There were many different types of catapults developed and used throughout history. The most  well-known catapult is the bucket catapult, which used a winched down - arm with a bucket on the end to toss objects. The catapult used in our Balloon Blast game is called a trebuchet.

The primary difference between traditional catapults and trebuchets w as the way they were powered. Catapults used twisted rope at the end of the main arm to provide the needed tension for the launch. The trebuchets, however, used counterweights at the end of the main arm to provide the force needed for each launch.

The trebuchet was a very effective siege weapon in its time. The main advantage that trebuchets had over traditional catapults was the distance they could throw objects. Large trebuchets were capable of throwing stones weighing hundreds of pounds,  from a distance of several hundred yards. Trebuchets were used to destroy castle walls, kill enemy troops, and toss burning pitch into fortified areas.

Catapults remained useful military machines until the discovery of gunpowder, which allowed cannons to become the new weapon of choice.