02-06-2012, 03:19 PM
What was the extent of crossbow use in ancient Rome? Were there any combat versions?
Roman crossbows (hand ballista?)
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02-06-2012, 03:19 PM
What was the extent of crossbow use in ancient Rome? Were there any combat versions?
02-06-2012, 03:25 PM
They were certainly in use by the Late Romans according to Vegetius.
Adrian Coombs-Hoar
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.
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR FECTIO Late Romans THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST (Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
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". ;-)
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR FECTIO Late Romans THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST (Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
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.
Evan Schultheis | MODERATOR
Rhomaios Living History Society Support us on Patreon
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
Evan Schultheis | MODERATOR
Rhomaios Living History Society Support us on Patreon |
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