Onager vs. Mangonel — What's the Difference?

The onager (; Equus hemionus), also known as hemione or Asiatic wild ass, is a species of the family Equidae (horse family) native to Asia. A member of the subgenus Asinus, the onager was described and given its binomial name by German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas in 1775.

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 wild ass (Equus hemionus) of Asia, having an erect mane, a light brown coat, and a dark stripe along the back.

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.

An ancient and medieval catapult, often employing a wooden arm with a short sling.

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

The Asiatic wild ass or hemione (Equus hemionus), an animal of the horse family native to Asia; specifically, the Persian onager, Persian wild ass, or Persian zebra (Equus hemionus onager).

A traction trebuchet trebuchet operated by manpower.

A military engine acting like a sling which threw stones from a bag or wooden bucket powered by the torsion from a bundle of ropes or sinews operated by machinery; a torsion catapult.

An onager type of catapult.

A military engine acting like a sling, which threw stones from a bag or wooden bucket, and was operated by machinery.

A military engine formerly used for throwing stones and javelins.

A wild ass of central Asia, especially the koulan (Equus hemionus syn. Equus hemippus syn. Equus onager, formely Asinus onager).

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

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

Asiatic wild ass