What Is a Catapult?

A catapult is a device used to throw or hurl a projectile a great distance without the aid of explosive devices — particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines.

The earliest writings of catapults were that they originated in China around the 3rd and 4th Century BC; this type of catapult was much like a big crossbow. They stood around 8 feet tall.

There are three primary technologies that fall into the "catapult" category:

• The Catapult: the winched-down bucket that people normally think about when they hear the word "catapult".

• The Ballista: A very large crossbow.

• A Trebuchet: A weighted beam that swings a sling carrying the projectile.