The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery

The Art of the Catapult by William Gurstelle is a hands-on guide to the history and construction of ancient artillery. This digital edition is delivered as a PDF, so you can begin reading and planning your first project immediately after purchase.

The book covers Greek ballistae, Roman onagers, English trebuchets, Viking catapults, and more. It combines the story of siege warfare with practical instructions for building these machines.

Book Overview

This volume explores the engineering and history behind the catapult, from the days before gunpowder through its use in medieval sieges. William Gurstelle explains how these machines worked and why they changed warfare.

The book is organized around historical episodes and includes a series of buildable projects. These range from a spring engine catapult and a Viking catapult to a Macedonian ballista, a traction-style catapult, the great horse trebuchet Cabulus, an onager, and the War Wolf Ludgar. Readers also find instructions for a Ballearic hand sling and a Thracian staff sling.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• The science of siege and the role of catapults before gunpowder.
• Build plans for a spring engine catapult and a Viking catapult.
• Instructions for Alexander’s Macedonian ballista and ancient slings.
• The story of Saladin, Richard, and the Third Crusade, including a traction-style catapult.
• Plans for Cabulus, the great horse trebuchet, and an onager called the Wild Donkey.
• The tale of John Crabbe and the War Wolf used during the siege of Scotland.
• A basket-pult project and a look at the end of catapult warfare.

Why The Art of the Catapult Matters

This book connects military history with practical craft. It gives readers a tangible way to understand ancient machines by building them.

It is part of a tradition of project-based learning, and its dedication honors earlier authors of science and activity books for young readers. The Art of the Catapult remains a useful resource for hobbyists, educators, and history enthusiasts.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download. There is no physical shipping. After purchase, you receive access to the file and can read it on supported devices.

The PDF works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and most reading apps. Choose the app that fits your device and download the file to begin.

FAQ

How do I get the book after purchase? Access is available immediately after purchase. Your digital file is ready to download.

Will a physical copy be shipped? No. This is a digital PDF edition, so nothing is mailed.

What devices can I use? The PDF can be opened on Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and most common reading apps.

Add this digital edition to your library and explore the history of ancient artillery through hands-on projects.

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