02-06-2012, 03:19 PM
02-06-2012, 03:25 PM
They were certainly in use by the Late Romans according to Vegetius.
02-06-2012, 03:46 PM
We have discussed this before here:
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat.html?fu...=20#286321
here:
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat.html?fu...=entrypage
and I think even more, but I can't seem to find that thread.
As far as we know, 'true' crossbows (not meaning torsion artillery) was not used in battle, only in hunting.
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat.html?fu...=20#286321
here:
http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat.html?fu...=entrypage
and I think even more, but I can't seem to find that thread.
As far as we know, 'true' crossbows (not meaning torsion artillery) was not used in battle, only in hunting.
02-06-2012, 11:03 PM
Quote:As far as we know, 'true' crossbows (not meaning torsion artillery) was not used in battle, only in hunting.Unless this is Vegetius' arcuballista. Manuballista is obviously his translation of the (torsion-powered) cheiroballistra. (Greek cheir- = Latin manu-; Greek ballistra = Latin ballista.)
02-06-2012, 11:12 PM
Quote:Unless this is Vegetius' arcuballista.Whioch is why I said "not meaning torsion artillery". ;-)
02-07-2012, 05:43 PM
Ok thanks for the replies!
02-07-2012, 06:07 PM
Quote:D B Campbell post=305913 Wrote:Unless this is Vegetius' arcuballista.Whioch is why I said "not meaning torsion artillery". ;-)
I thought the Arcuballista was not torsion powered - the reconstructions Comitatus uses aren't. And from what ive seen in Murals and my translation of Vegetius they aren't.
02-07-2012, 07:24 PM
Quote:I thought the Arcuballista was not torsion powered ...I certainly don't think it was torsion-powered. Neither did Eric Marsden. But, to tell the truth, all we know about it comes from Vegetius (2.15; 4.21-22), and he's none too clear.
In 1986 (Bonner Jahrbücher 186, p. 131), I suggested that the Gallo-Roman "crossbow" reliefs might show this weapon. You pays your money ...
02-07-2012, 10:28 PM
I've seen those releifs - not in person but through images taken. They depict a hunting scene using crossbows. Thanks Dr. Campbell