Catapult vs. Onager — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Catapults are ancient siege weapons designed to launch projectiles over long distances, while onagers, a type of catapult, specifically utilize a sling and torsion power.
Difference Between Catapult and Onager
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Catapults represent a broad category of ancient siege engines that were employed to hurl projectiles at enemy fortifications or troops. On the other hand, the onager, a specific type of catapult, was named after the wild ass due to its powerful "kick."
While catapults, in general, could be powered by tension, torsion, or gravity (such as the trebuchet), the onager relied exclusively on torsion power. This distinction made onagers particularly effective in certain situations, especially when a compact and powerful engine was needed. However, catapults, depending on their design, could offer versatility in terms of range, projectile size, and the mechanism of launch.
The range and destructive capability of catapults varied widely, depending on their size and design. Larger catapults, like the trebuchet, could launch heavier projectiles over greater distances, but required more time to reload and a larger crew to operate. Onagers, while powerful, generally had a shorter range than the largest trebuchets but were faster to reload and required fewer operators, making them useful for different tactical situations.
Accuracy was another area where these siege engines differed. Catapults with a fixed arm and counterweight, such as the trebuchet, could achieve remarkable accuracy with consistent operation and calibration. Onagers, despite their raw power, faced challenges in accuracy due to the variable tension of the torsion springs, which could change with weather conditions and wear, affecting the consistency of their shots.
Maintenance and portability also distinguished catapults from onagers. Catapults varied in their complexity and the ease with which they could be assembled, disassembled, and transported. Onagers, with their simpler torsion-based mechanism, were relatively easier to move and set up, an advantage in the rapid movements of ancient warfare. However, the torsion ropes of onagers required regular maintenance to ensure consistent performance, a task that could be challenging in the field.
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Comparison Chart
Principle
Utilizes tension, torsion, or gravity
Relies on torsion power
Design Variety
Includes trebuchets, ballistae, etc.
Specifically uses a sling for projectile launching
Usage
General term for siege engines
A type of catapult with a unique design
Range and Power
Varies widely; can be very long-range
Generally powerful but with shorter range than some catapults
Operational Complexity
Varies; some designs are complex
Simpler, with a focus on torsion power
Compare with Definitions
Catapult
A mechanism for launching aircraft from a ship.
The fighter jet was launched from the deck via a catapult.
Onager
Utilizes twisted ropes or sinews to generate launching power.
The onager's torsion springs were tightly wound for maximum force.
Catapult
A sudden or powerful launch or movement.
His invention catapulted him to fame.
Onager
Specifically refers to a siege engine with a sling.
They loaded the onager with large rocks for the attack.
Catapult
To hurl or launch something in a specified direction with or as if with a catapult.
She catapulted the ball into the goal.
Onager
Known for its "kicking" action similar to that of a wild donkey.
The onager's powerful kick could send projectiles flying over great distances.
Catapult
Any device that launches an object at a high speed.
The engineer designed a catapult for the science fair.
Onager
A type of ancient catapult using a torsion mechanism.
The onager was ready to fire stones at the enemy fortifications.
Catapult
A military machine used in ancient and medieval warfare for hurling stones and other projectiles.
The catapult launched a volley of stones over the city walls.
Onager
More compact and easier to maneuver than some larger catapults.
The army preferred onagers for their ease of transport and setup.
Catapult
A catapult is a ballistic device used to launch a projectile a great distance without the aid of gunpowder or other propellants – particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines. A catapult uses the sudden release of stored potential energy to propel its payload.
Onager
The onager (; Equus hemionus), also known as hemione or Asiatic wild ass, is a species of the family Equidae (horse family) native to Asia. A member of the subgenus Asinus, the onager was described and given its binomial name by German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas in 1775.
Catapult
Any of various military machines used for hurling missiles, such as large stones or spears, in ancient and medieval times.
Onager
A wild ass (Equus hemionus) of Asia, having an erect mane, a light brown coat, and a dark stripe along the back.
Catapult
A mechanism for launching aircraft at a speed sufficient for flight, as from the deck of a carrier.
Onager
An ancient and medieval catapult, often employing a wooden arm with a short sling.
Catapult
A slingshot.
Onager
The Asiatic wild ass or hemione (Equus hemionus), an animal of the horse family native to Asia; specifically, the Persian onager, Persian wild ass, or Persian zebra (Equus hemionus onager).
Catapult
To hurl or launch from a catapult.
Onager
A military engine acting like a sling which threw stones from a bag or wooden bucket powered by the torsion from a bundle of ropes or sinews operated by machinery; a torsion catapult.
Catapult
To hurl or launch by means other than a catapult
The blast catapulted bricks across the street.
Onager
A military engine acting like a sling, which threw stones from a bag or wooden bucket, and was operated by machinery.
Catapult
To bring suddenly into prominence
The film catapulted her into fame.
Onager
A wild ass of central Asia, especially the koulan (Equus hemionus syn. Equus hemippus syn. Equus onager, formely Asinus onager).
Catapult
To be catapulted or hurled
The rider catapulted over the handlebars.
Onager
Medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
Catapult
To jump or spring
She catapulted over the gate.
Onager
Asiatic wild ass
Catapult
A device or weapon for throwing or launching large objects.
Catapult
A mechanical aid on aircraft carriers designed to help airplanes take off from the flight deck.
Catapult
(UK) A slingshot.
Catapult
An instance of firing a missile from a catapult.
Catapult
(figuratively) An instance of firing something, as if from a catapult.
Catapult
(transitive) To fire a missile from a catapult.
Catapult
(transitive) To fire or launch something, as if from a catapult.
Catapult
(transitive) To increase the status of something rapidly.
The candidate selection for running mate has catapulted her to the national scene.
Catapult
(intransitive) To be fired from a catapult or as if from a catapult.
Catapult
(intransitive) To have one's status increased rapidly.
She catapulted to the national scene following her selection by the candidate.
Catapult
An engine somewhat resembling a massive crossbow, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, arrows, spears, etc.
Catapult
A forked stick with elastic band for throwing small stones, etc.
Catapult
A plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones
Catapult
A device that launches aircraft from a warship
Catapult
Medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
Catapult
Shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult;
The enemy catapulted rocks towards the fort
Catapult
Hurl as if with a sling
Common Curiosities
What is a catapult?
A catapult is a siege engine used to hurl projectiles at or over walls and into enemy fortifications.
Can catapults be considered ancient artillery?
Yes, catapults can be considered a form of ancient artillery, serving similar functions to modern artillery in breaching defenses and targeting troops.
Were onagers used in any famous historical sieges?
Onagers were used in various historical sieges throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, playing key roles in ancient warfare.
How does an onager work?
An onager works by using a torsion mechanism, where twisted ropes or sinews provide the force to launch projectiles.
What types of projectiles did catapults launch?
Catapults launched a variety of projectiles, including stones, fireballs, and even dead animals for psychological warfare.
How were catapults and onagers aimed?
Operators adjusted the angle and tension of catapults and onagers to aim, a process requiring experience and skill.
How did the development of gunpowder affect catapults and onagers?
The advent of gunpowder and cannons eventually rendered catapults and onagers obsolete as siege and battlefield weapons.
What materials were used to build onagers?
Onagers were primarily built from wood, metal for fittings, and animal sinews or hair for the torsion ropes.
What was the range of an onager?
The range of an onager depended on its size and the tension of its torsion mechanism but was generally shorter than the largest trebuchets.
Why was the onager named after a wild ass?
The onager was named for its powerful "kick" when launching projectiles, reminiscent of the kick of a wild ass.
Did catapults and onagers require a lot of maintenance?
Yes, both required maintenance, particularly onagers, which needed regular attention to their torsion springs.
How accurate were catapults in ancient warfare?
Accuracy varied by design and operator skill, with some catapults like trebuchets known for their precision.
Did the design of catapults evolve over time?
Yes, catapult designs evolved significantly over centuries, incorporating new technologies and adapting to warfare needs.
Could onagers launch multiple projectiles at once?
Generally, onagers launched one large projectile, though modifications could allow for scattering smaller stones.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
