Giant Crossbow Sketch of a Colossal Siege Crossbow
by Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci demonstrates his propensity for the
colossus in his famous sketch of a giant crossbow. This scan
of da Vinci 's notebook details the laminated bow, winding mechanism and
trigger of the crossbow. Scholars doubt anyone every built this crossbow,
but large bow like siege engines were part of Greek and Roman artillery
long before da Vinci's birth.
Leonardo's notebook also contained studies of a large
trebuchet used for defending a fortification and trebuchet and catapult
sling release.
