Greek and Roman Ballista

Whitewood (Poplar) Version

Designed and made in the USA for better quality, better performance!

The Ballista was an engine of war invented by the Greeks in 800 BCE, and later adopted by the early Romans. Ballistas were constructed of different sizes for the various purposes of siege and field warfare. The largest ones could throw projectiles weighing up to fifty pounds as far as 400 yards!

The ballista uses a pair of skeins (bundles of twisted rope) for power. Similar to the working of a crossbow, the Ballista actually preceded the crossbow in western culture by over a thousand years and is where we get the word "Ballistic".

This model shoots five-inch long, 1/2" diameter bolts (also called darts) about thirty to forty feet (when property constructed). It stands ten inches tall, twenty inches long and the arms sweep an arc over twenty inches wide. When not shooting bolts, this model is a great addition to your bookshelf or desktop.

More than thirty five parts are included in this kit, but it can be easily assembled in one day. Everything you need is included except for glue and a few simple tools like scissors, sandpaper, a file (a utility knife would be helpful too) and about three to six hours of your time from start to finish.

Features include:

• High quality, naturally white hardwood.
  Can be stained any color.
  
• Precision cut by computer.
  All parts guaranteed to fit properly!
  
• Authentic trigger and winch mechanism
  
• True skein torsion power- not a wimpy spring
  
• Actual range from 20 to 40 feet or more!
  

The instructions are highly detailed and complete with full-color photos, diagrams and historical notes. This kit can be assembled to a finished model in three to five hours, plus glue-drying time. Some light sanding may be necessary to smooth any rough edges.

We've put a lot of time and effort into making this kit as easy and complete as possible. It's a fun way to learn about history and engineering!



* Warning: This is a representative model of a real ancient military weapon. Use only with competent adult supervision.
* Shown stained as red oak. The kit ships as a natural, unfinished poplar wood product. Colors may vary.
* Can throw 40 feet when properly constructed and using appropriate missiles. Your performance may vary.