Roman Ballistae in Modern Popular Culture

[Currahee Chris]

Pardon the stupid question, but could I ask what the "win" is with a ballista?

I mean, I can understand the field pieces of the gunpowder age - how they can reduce fortifications and kill a number of men with each shot.

I'm sure it must have been effective or it wouldn't have been used - but how? What does a ballista bolt do on an ancient battlefield that a man-carried bow or crossbow does not?

Hello Jennifer.
I have often wondered the same thing. I do believe when you look at them individually, they look rather uninspiring. I think when you combine them with archers and especially en masse they could be exceptionally deadly. I have to imagine the psychological effect of seeing some of your mates skewered by one of these bolts as you are charging across a field to engage would be pretty demoralizing. They weren't very mobile either.