The ballista was a powerful ancient Roman weapon, resembling a giant crossbow, used for hurling large projectiles such as stones, bolts, or spears. It was primarily used during sieges to breach enemy fortifications or to defend against attacking forces.
The ballista’s design allowed for greater accuracy and range compared to other siege weapons, making it a crucial tool in Roman military campaigns.
Ballistae were used during the Siege of Masada (73–74 AD), where Roman forces besieged the Jewish fortress on a mountain in Judea, eventually leading to the fall of the last stronghold of the Jewish Revolt.
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