The Ten Books on Architecture, 10.10.1

Vitruvius  translated by Morris Hicky Morgan

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Catapults or Scorpiones

10I shall next explain the symmetrical principles on which scorpiones and ballistae may be constructed, inventions devised for defence against danger, and in the interest of self-preservation.

The proportions of these engines are all computed from the given length of the arrow which the engine is intended to throw, and the size of the holes in the capitals, through which the twisted sinews that hold the arms are stretched, is one ninth of that length.

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