Crossbow vs. Ballista — What's the Difference?

A crossbow is a ranged weapon using an elastic launching device consisting of a bow-like assembly called a prod, mounted horizontally on a main frame called a tiller, which is hand-held in a similar fashion to the stock of a long firearm. Crossbows shoot arrow-like projectiles called bolts or quarrels.

The ballista (Latin, from Greek βαλλίστρα ballistra and that from βάλλω ballō, "throw"), plural ballistae, sometimes called bolt thrower, was an ancient missile weapon that launched either bolts or stones at a distant target. Developed from earlier Greek weapons, it relied upon different mechanics, using two levers with torsion springs instead of a tension prod (the bow part of a modern crossbow).

A weapon consisting of a bow fixed crosswise on a wooden stock, with grooves on the stock to direct the projectile.

An ancient and medieval engine of warfare, usually having a design similar to a crossbow, used to hurl heavy projectiles.

A mechanised weapon, based on the bow and arrow, that shoots bolts.

An ancient military engine, in the form of a crossbow, used for hurling large missiles.

A portable ballista that can be held in the hand.

An ancient military engine, in the form of a crossbow, used for hurling large missiles.

A weapon, used in discharging arrows or bolts, formed by placing a bow crosswise on a stock.

Medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles

A bow fixed transversely on a wooden stock grooved to direct the arrow (quarrel)