Cheiroballistra

The cheiroballistra (Greek: χειροβαλλίστρα) or manuballista (Latin), which translates in all its forms to "hand ballista", was an imperial-era Roman siege engine. Designed by Hero of Alexandria and mostly composed of metal (the spring mechanism and the skeins), it shot bolts that were smaller than those in other forms of ballistae and generally made of metal. It was the next major improvement after the scorpio.

Modern reconstruction of one possible appearance of a cheiroballistra

The name of the weapon is composed of the Greek words for 'hand' and 'shooter' implying that portable versions might also have existed, similar to crossbows.

See also

• Ballista
• Gastraphetes
• Scorpio (weapon)
• Roman siege engines

References

• Duncan B. Campbell and Brian Delf, Greek and Roman Artillery 399 BC–AD 363, New Vanguard series 89, Osprey Publishing Ltd., Oxford 2003. ISBN 1 84176 634 8
• John Warry, Warfare in the Classical World, Salamander Books Ltd., London 1995. ISBN 0-8061-2794-5

External links

• Article on ballista (shown), scorpio and cheiroballistra
• Reconstructing the cheiroballistra (archive)
• Drawing (archive)
• Greco-Roman artillery