Roman crossbows (hand ballista?)

[Darth_Roach]

What was the extent of crossbow use in ancient Rome? Were there any combat versions?

[ValentinianVictrix]

They were certainly in use by the Late Romans according to Vegetius.

[Robert Vermaat]

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.

[D B Campbell]

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.)

[Robert Vermaat]

Unless this is Vegetius' arcuballista.

Whioch is why I said "not meaning torsion artillery". ;-)

[Darth_Roach]

Ok thanks for the replies!

[Flavivs Aetivs]

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.

[D B Campbell]

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 ...

[Flavivs Aetivs]

I've seen those releifs - not in person but through images taken. They depict a hunting scene using crossbows. Thanks Dr. Campbell