Roman Catapult- the Stylish Siege Weapon

by mstrudwick2022 in Outside > Siege Engines

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Roman Catapult- the Stylish Siege Weapon

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Are you interested in Siege history? If yes, I don't blame you. I mean, learning about how different empires and groups of people have used military blockades to surround/take over a city until they surrender or you take over by force and gain territory is super cool!

So have you ever wanted to build your own Siege weapon? Maybe you're interested in breaking down fortification such as city walls or castles. Or maybe you just just want a valid excuse to wear a roman uniform. (seriously, have you seen those awesome capes!) Regardless of your reasons you've come to the right place! In this intstructable I'm going to explain step by step how you can build a Catapult just like the Romans used!

Supplies

MATERIAL LIST

  • optional: drill for creating holes & inserting screws
  • Foamboard
  • 12 screws
  • 1 wooden dowel
  • hot glue
  • 4 rubber bands
    • 2 of which extra large

Cut All the Pieces of Foamboard

  • 2 A Pieces: 2.5x23.5in.
  • 2 B Pieces: 1x20in.
  • 2 C Pieces: 2.5x16in.
  • 1 D Piece: 2.5x20in.
  • 2 E Pieces: 1.5x26in.
  • bucket piece: customize size depending on size of ammunition

The Base

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  • A pieces
  • B pieces
  • 4 screws

Create a square frame by placing the 2 A pieces parallel to each other and lining up the 2 B pieces. Then screw the A pieces into the B pieces at each corner.

The Launch Frame

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  • C pieces
  • D piece
  • 8 screws

Stand up the C Pieces and screw them into the A pieces of the base parallel to each other about 2/3 from the back of the A piece. Use 2 screws on each C piece to connect them to the base. Then place piece D at the top, in between the two C pieces. Use 2 screws on each C piece to stabilize and connect pieces C and D.

The Arm & Bucket

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  • E pieces
  • hot glue

Glue the 2 E pieces on top of each other. Create your custom bucket and glue it to one end of your connected E pieces. Place your new arm and bucket piece in the middle of your base, parallel to the A pieces.

The Dowel/ Fulcrum

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  • Wooden dowel
  • optional drill for wholes

Create holes that line up, through the arm of the catapult and through the A pieces on the base. Put the wooden dowel through those 3 components.

The Elastic Launcher

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  • 4 rubber bands

Tie the 2 large rubber bands to create one long elastic. Put the long elastic between the 2 screws in piece C and wrap it over the catapult arm. Use the remaining 2 rubber bands to secure the long elastic in between the screws.

The Finished Product!

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Congratulations you built a catapult! Feel free to put on a red cape and dance around your house to Stevie Wonder!!