Reconstructed Gastraphetes

[D B Campbell]

As for the Gastraphetes, it wasn't a very powerful crossbow historically. ... the Greek Gastraphetes (5th or 4th century BC - 2nd century BC) didn't have more than a 90 pound draw.

With respect, we have no idea how heavy the gastraphetes' draw weight was, other than the fact that it took the entire weight of a man to span its powerful composite bow. (Admittedly I'm not an ancient Greek, but I weigh rather more than 90lbs!)