11-18-2013, 10:47 PM
Quote:Anyone knows the earliest unequivocal (re)appearance of (a) the torsion arrow-shooter and (b) the torsion stone projector (one- or two-armed) ...Interesting question. Did they re-appear? Or do they simply die out, to be replaced by non-torsion equivalents?
Maurice's Strategikon (ca. AD 590 ?) certainly mentions ballistrai (Section 12B, 6.8-10, 18.9-10, 21.12-15). However, the balistarioi of Leo's Taktika (ca. AD 900?) seem to have been simply lifted from the Strategikon and cannot provide independent evidence (afaik they are glossed as manganarioi). I'd say that Maurice is the last definite evidence of torsion arrow-shooters.
Later sources (e.g. the Chronographia of Theophanes) use the term toxobolistrai, which sound as if they are non-torsion bow-weapons. By this time, we read of various crossbow-like devices (e.g. muas and solenaria), and I suspect that the torsion arrow-shooter had died out.
Similarly, I suspect that the torsion onager was replaced by the simpler trebuchet mechanism. However, I'd be fascinated to hear if anyone has the unequivocal evidence you are seeking.
