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Roman cross-bows
#16
Lucius,<br>
<br>
The repeating catapulta (polybolos) you mentioned was, I believe, built by Alan Wilkins (although Len Morgan probably had a good deal of input as well - I'll ask him next time I see him) as an experimental model. Schramm, before the First World War, also tried to reconstruct the polybolos and like both Marsden and Wilkins decided on a chain drive reloading action, although he used a bicycle chain. Alan's reconstruction uses a chain made of wood with metal joints. Alan told me the last time I saw him with it that the polybolos was only used for a short time in the third century BC. Based on the fact that his reconstruction produces a very close group of target hits, he has suggested that the reason the polybolos went out of use may have been that it was TOO accurate and that therefore enemy troops may have found it easy to spot the places to avoid standing in. I asked him about the range of movement and he replied (of his reconstruction) that the magazine to hold the bolts made the machine quite cumbersome and thus difficult to traverse easily. He suggested that it was more likely to have been used on a fixed stand.<br>
Hope that helps a little.<br>
<br>
Crispvs <p></p><i></i>
Who is called \'\'Paul\'\' by no-one other than his wife, parents and brothers.  :!: <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" />:!:

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.romanarmy.net">www.romanarmy.net
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#17
Hi Crispus,<br>
Thanks for that information. I wasn't sure exactly who built the machine, but I knew that it was either Alan or Len.<br>
I think that it would be more cumbersome as you mentioned than a standard catapulta. Even though it wasn't as practical as the other engines, one must admit that it was a feat of engineering genius to come up with such a design, though. I am building a standard "scorpion" ballista, and it gives me headaches sometimes trying to work out its construction!<br>
<p>Lucius Aurelius Metellus, draconarius, Secunda Brittanica</p><i></i>
Lucius Aurelius Metellus
a.k.a. Jeffrey L. Greene
MODERATOR
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#18
There's a reconstructed repeating ballista in the Museum of Ancient Shipping in Mainz, Germany as well: See my Mainz Travelogue on Romanarmy.com.<br>
<img src="http://www.romanarmy.com/Content/Travelogue/Travelogue_MainzJO2001/Images/repeaterballista.jpg" style="border:0;"/> <p>Greets<br>
<br>
Jasper</p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=jasperoorthuys>Jasper Oorthuys</A> at: 12/16/04 7:34 am<br></i>
Greets!

Jasper Oorthuys
Webmaster & Editor, Ancient Warfare magazine
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#19
Thanks Jasper.<br>
I can't see the cocking mechanism but otherwise it looks very similar in shape and design to Alan Wilkins' reconstruction.<br>
<br>
Crispvs <p></p><i></i>
Who is called \'\'Paul\'\' by no-one other than his wife, parents and brothers.  :!: <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" />:!:

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.romanarmy.net">www.romanarmy.net
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#20
A little bit anachronistic to place a Third century BC Hellenistic prototype on the foredeck of a Fourth century AD late Roman boat...<br>
<br>
Aitor <p></p><i></i>
It\'s all an accident, an accident of hands. Mine, others, all without mind, from one extreme to another, but neither works nor will ever.

Rolf Steiner
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#21
They were a very well read crew, obviously <p>Greets<br>
<br>
Jasper</p><i></i>
Greets!

Jasper Oorthuys
Webmaster & Editor, Ancient Warfare magazine
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#22
Hi Aiton,<br>
the Baatz article sounds very intersting to me. As im doing my thesis on the Argentorate battle and wanting to track the possible army composition of Julian that would be very useful - but i dont have the JRMES in my university. So would it be possible for you - if u have a copy - to scan and email it to me?<br>
Thanks for any help! <p></p><i></i>
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#23
I hate to say this but it depends on the time you're willing to wait for it!<br>
In fact I had decided to leave RAT until next April because I have to prepare a set of very important exams to become a civil servant for life or... become jobless.<br>
Sorry!<br>
<br>
Aitor <p></p><i></i>
It\'s all an accident, an accident of hands. Mine, others, all without mind, from one extreme to another, but neither works nor will ever.

Rolf Steiner
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#24
No problem, Aitor!<br>
Thanks anyway and - good luck! <p></p><i></i>
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#25
The crossbow was known in Roman times, but very seldom used. Most would choose a bow because it is able to fire much faster.<br>
<br>
Also, it wouldn't make sense if they didn't know about it. I mean, they had ballistas right? And what is a crossbow but a handheld ballista. <p></p><i></i>
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#26
Uhmm,no. Actually there is quite a bit of difference...ballistas, particularly Roman, are usually torsion powered, meaning that their power comes from twisted rope or sinew skeins, and has two seperate arms, each powered by its own skein, unlike a crossbow, whose power comes from a single "prod", which is in effect a short bow mounted to a shoulder stock. The two look vaguely similar, but are actually totally different. A crossbow could more accurately be compared to a Gastrophetes or Oxybeles rather than a ballista, as both of these engines achieved their power through a prod or bow, and both of these engines were known by the ancients. <p>Lucius Aurelius Metellus, draconarius, Secunda Brittanica</p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=luciusaureliusmetellus@romanarmytalk>Lucius Aurelius Metellus</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/Lucius68/Lucius.jpg" BORDER=0> at: 1/16/05 4:15 am<br></i>
Lucius Aurelius Metellus
a.k.a. Jeffrey L. Greene
MODERATOR
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