Oxybeles
Weapon used by the Ancient Greeks
The oxybeles (Greek: οξυβελής) was a weapon used by the Ancient Greeks starting in 375 BC.[1] The word is derived from Ancient Greek: οξύς (oxys = sharp, pointed) and βέλος (belos = arrow). The weapon was basically an oversized gastraphetes, a composite bow placed on a stand with a stock and a trigger. It was supplanted by the scientifically engineered ballista. The difference between the two is the use of torsion power by the ballista. The most notable use of the oxybeles was under Alexander the Great's rule.[citation needed]
Notes
- ^ Kinard, Jeff. Artillery: An Illustrated History Of Its Impact. Online link. pp. 3–4.
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Ancient mechanical artillery and hand-held missile weapons
- Greek and Roman artillery
- Torsion siege engine
- Ballista
- Carroballista
- Catapulta
- Oxybeles
- Oyumi
- Polybolos
- Scorpio
- Catapult
- Lithobolos
- Mangonel
- Onager
- Trebuchet
- Bow
- Cheiroballistra
- Crossbow
- Gastraphetes
- Javelin
- Kestros
- Mesangylon
- Repeating crossbow
- Sling
- Spear-thrower
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