Mangonel vs. Catapult — What's the Difference?

A medieval siege weapon using a sling.

Can utilize various launching mechanisms.

Simpler siege engine construction.

A broad category of siege engines.

Designed for high-arc projectiles.

Versatile in military tactics.

Operates with tension mechanism.

Suitable for different ranges and trajectories.

Effective in breaching defenses.

Evolved through history for siege warfare.

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.

A catapult is a ballistic device used to launch a projectile a great distance without the aid of gunpowder or other propellants – particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines. A catapult uses the sudden release of stored potential energy to propel its payload.

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.

Any of various military machines used for hurling missiles, such as large stones or spears, in ancient and medieval times.

(historical) A military engine formerly used for throwing stones and burning objects.

A mechanism for launching aircraft at a speed sufficient for flight, as from the deck of a carrier.

A traction trebuchet trebuchet operated by manpower.

A slingshot.

An onager type of catapult.

To hurl or launch from a catapult.

A military engine formerly used for throwing stones and javelins.

To hurl or launch by means other than a catapult

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

To bring suddenly into prominence

To be catapulted or hurled

To jump or spring

A device or weapon for throwing or launching large objects.

A mechanical aid on aircraft carriers designed to help airplanes take off from the flight deck.

(UK) A slingshot.

An instance of firing a missile from a catapult.

(figuratively) An instance of firing something, as if from a catapult.

(transitive) To fire a missile from a catapult.

(transitive) To fire or launch something, as if from a catapult.

(transitive) To increase the status of something rapidly.

(intransitive) To be fired from a catapult or as if from a catapult.

(intransitive) To have one's status increased rapidly.

An engine somewhat resembling a massive crossbow, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, arrows, spears, etc.

A forked stick with elastic band for throwing small stones, etc.

A plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones

A device that launches aircraft from a warship

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

Shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult;

Hurl as if with a sling

Mangonels typically have a higher arc trajectory, ideal for lobbing projectiles over walls.

Their simplicity, effectiveness at sieging fortifications, and high-arc projectile launch made them favored.

A mangonel specifically uses a sling mechanism for launching projectiles, typically at a high arc.

Yes, a mangonel is a type of catapult, focusing on sling-based launching mechanisms.

Catapults are used to breach fortifications, deliver incendiary devices, and bombard enemy positions.

Tactical needs, technological advancements, and specific challenges of siege warfare influenced their development.

Siege tactics evolved to incorporate the range, power, and versatility of different catapult designs, leading to more strategic sieges.

No, catapults can use various mechanisms, including torsion, tension, and counterweight, unlike the specific sling mechanism of mangonels.

Mangonels typically launched stones, but could also be used for incendiary devices and other projectiles.

Yes, replicas are often constructed for historical demonstrations, education, and engineering analysis.

Construction complexity ranged from the relatively simple mangonel to more sophisticated designs like the trebuchet.

While primarily siege engines, catapults were sometimes used in field battles and for defensive purposes.

Wood, rope, and metal were common materials, with design specifics varying by the type of catapult.

Archaeology and reconstruction experiments have deepened understanding of their design, use, and effectiveness.

Yes, the development of cannon and gunpowder artillery gradually replaced catapults in military use.