Catapult vs. Trebuchet — What's the Difference?

Catapults and trebuchets, both powerful siege engines, have played critical roles in warfare, especially during ancient and medieval times. While the term "catapult" often evokes images of a device flinging objects over distances, it's a broad term encompassing various machines, such as ballistae and onagers. The trebuchet, on the other hand, is a specific design of a catapult, known for its distinct mechanism using a counterweight and a long arm.

The operational principle of a catapult is based on tension or torsion. These machines store energy in twisted ropes or in a bent piece of wood, releasing this energy to propel a projectile. Trebuchets operate on a different principle, utilizing gravity. They have a long arm, with a projectile on one end and a counterweight on the other. When the trebuchet is released, the counterweight falls, propelling the projectile from the sling at the opposite end with significant force.

A catapult's design is often more compact and versatile, allowing for variations in size and structure. This flexibility made them suitable for different military strategies and terrains. The trebuchet, with its towering frame and heavy counterweight, was often larger and required a more fixed setup, but it offered unparalleled power and accuracy in return.

Historically, while catapults saw extensive use in various ancient civilizations, trebuchets reached their pinnacle during the medieval period. The sheer force a trebuchet could exert made it particularly effective against fortified structures. Both, however, have left an indelible mark on the history of warfare, showcasing human ingenuity in crafting tools of siege.