Onager vs. Mangonel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Onagers and mangonels are both ancient siege weapons, the former using a sling mechanism for higher trajectory shots, while the latter uses a torsion-based mechanism for direct fire.
Difference Between Onager and Mangonel
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Onagers, also known as catapults, utilize a sling mechanism that allows them to launch projectiles in a high arc, making them effective for targeting enemies behind fortifications. Mangonels, on the other hand, are torsion-powered siege engines designed for hurling projectiles in a more direct line, ideal for breaching walls.
Onagers typically generate power through a vertical arm rotating around a horizontal axis, facilitated by torsion from twisted ropes or sinews. Mangonels, whereas, feature a wooden arm set in a frame, using the tension from twisted materials to propel projectiles at lower angles compared to onagers.
Onagers were more suited for launching lighter, spherical projectiles like stones or fireballs over longer distances. In contrast, mangonels were often used to throw heavier missiles, such as rocks and even incendiary materials, directly at enemy fortifications.
The operational complexity of onagers, involving careful adjustment of torsion and arm length, often made them more challenging to build and operate. Conversely, mangonels were generally simpler in design and construction, enabling faster deployment on the battlefield.
Although both weapons are from the same category of medieval artillery, onagers were more prevalent in the Roman and Byzantine empires, whereas mangonels saw extensive use across medieval Europe and in Asian warfare.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Mechanism
Sling for high trajectory
Torsion for direct fire
Power Source
Torsion from twisted ropes/sinews
Torsion from twisted ropes/materials
Projectile Trajectory
High arc
Lower, direct line
Typical Payload
Lighter, spherical projectiles
Heavier missiles
Historical Usage
Roman and Byzantine empires
Medieval Europe and Asia
Compare with Definitions
Onager
A catapult-like weapon used in ancient sieges.
The onager launched a volley of stones over the castle walls.
Mangonel
A medieval siege engine for hurling large missiles.
The mangonel hurled rocks against the fortress walls.
Onager
Designed for high-trajectory firing.
The onager was ideal for lobbing projectiles over defensive barriers.
Mangonel
Common in medieval European warfare.
Mangonels were a common sight during the Crusades.
Onager
Predominantly used in the Roman era.
Roman onagers were crucial in numerous sieges across Europe.
Mangonel
Designed for direct-fire attacks.
The mangonel targeted the enemy's front lines directly.
Onager
A torsion-powered siege engine.
The engineers twisted the onager's sinews to prepare for the next assault.
Mangonel
Operates using a torsion-based mechanism.
Soldiers twisted the mangonel's frame to increase tension.
Onager
Utilizes a sling mechanism.
The onager's sling was carefully loaded with fiery projectiles.
Mangonel
Simple in construction and operation.
The mangonel was quickly assembled on the battlefield.
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.
Mangonel
The mangonel, also called the traction trebuchet, was a type of trebuchet used in Ancient China starting from the Warring States period, and later across Eurasia by the 6th century AD. Unlike the later counterweight trebuchet, the mangonel operated on manpower pulling cords attached to a lever and sling to launch projectiles.Although the mangonel required more men to function, it was also less complex and faster to reload than the torsion-powered onager which it replaced in early Medieval Europe. It was replaced as the primary siege weapon in the 12th and 13th centuries by the counterweight trebuchet.
Onager
A wild ass (Equus hemionus) of Asia, having an erect mane, a light brown coat, and a dark stripe along the back.
Mangonel
A military machine used during the Middle Ages for hurling stones and other missiles, often employing a wooden arm with a container at one end.
Onager
An ancient and medieval catapult, often employing a wooden arm with a short sling.
Mangonel
(historical) A military engine formerly used for throwing stones and burning objects.
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).
Mangonel
A traction trebuchet trebuchet operated by manpower.
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.
Mangonel
An onager type of catapult.
Onager
A military engine acting like a sling, which threw stones from a bag or wooden bucket, and was operated by machinery.
Mangonel
A military engine formerly used for throwing stones and javelins.
Onager
A wild ass of central Asia, especially the koulan (Equus hemionus syn. Equus hemippus syn. Equus onager, formely Asinus onager).
Mangonel
Medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
Onager
Medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles
Onager
Asiatic wild ass
Common Curiosities
Were onagers and mangonels used in the same historical periods?
Both were used in medieval times, but onagers date back to the Roman era, while mangonels were more common in later medieval Europe.
Which siege weapon was more effective at breaching walls?
Mangonels were generally more effective at breaching walls due to their direct line of fire.
What tactical advantages did mangonels have over onagers?
Mangonels could deliver heavier projectiles directly against fortifications, making them better for breaking down walls.
What is the main difference between an onager and a mangonel?
The main difference is in their launching mechanisms and projectile trajectories, with onagers having a high arc and mangonels a more direct line.
Can onagers and mangonels use the same types of projectiles?
Generally, no; onagers are better suited for lighter, spherical projectiles, whereas mangonels can handle heavier, more varied payloads.
What type of power source is used in an onager?
Onagers use torsion power derived from twisted ropes or sinews.
What role did mangonels play in siege warfare?
Mangonels primarily served to damage fortifications and suppress defenders during sieges.
Were mangonels easier to build than onagers?
Yes, mangonels were generally simpler and quicker to build and deploy than onagers.
What materials were commonly used to construct onagers?
Onagers were typically built using wood, metal, and twisted animal sinews or plant fibers for torsion.
Which weapon required more maintenance on the battlefield, onager or mangonel?
Onagers generally required more maintenance due to their more complex mechanism.
Did the use of these siege weapons overlap in any historical battles?
Yes, both types of siege engines were used in various medieval conflicts, often complementing each other.
How did the range of a mangonel compare to that of an onager?
Onagers typically had a longer range due to their higher projectile arc.
How did the accuracy of onagers compare with that of mangonels?
Onagers were less accurate due to their high-trajectory fire, whereas mangonels offered more direct and controlled shots.
Are replicas of onagers and mangonels used in historical reenactments today?
Yes, replicas of both siege weapons are popular in historical reenactments and educational demonstrations.
Could onagers be adjusted for range and trajectory?
Yes, adjustments could be made by changing the torsion and the angle of the arm.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Respect vs. Attention
Next Comparison
Reactive vs. ProactiveAuthor Spotlight
Written 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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
