Throwing Engines versus Gunpowder Artillery in Siege Activities in the Middle Ages – An Example of the Kingdoms of Poland and Bohemia

Piotr Strzyż

doi:10.23858/fah33.2020.007

Abstract

The invention of gunpowder and its use in projectile throwing is rightly regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, innovations in the history of war technology. However, the first artillery, which we have some mention of in Europe in 1326, had to compete for a long time with various types of throwing engines used in military operations, especially sieges, successfully since ancient times. It was no different in Central Europe, where throwing engines were still used in siege in the 4th quarter of the 15th century. The article analyses written and archaeological sources confirming the simultaneous use of throwing engines and gunpowder artillery in the Kingdom of Poland and the Kingdom of Bohemia until the end of the 15th century.

Highlights

In 1505 an atypical event in Prague was recorded in Staré letopisy české: “In this year, on Monday after St
It was no different in Central Europe, where throwing engines were still used in siege in the 4th quarter of the 15th century
The article analyses written and archaeological sources confirming the simultaneous use of throwing engines and gunpowder artillery in the Kingdom of Poland and the Kingdom of Bohemia until the end of the 15th century

Summary

Introduction

In 1505 an atypical event in Prague was recorded in Staré letopisy české: “In this year, on Monday after St. One of these was perhaps a traction trebuchet (Fig. 7), as suggested by source mentions which underline its small size and a high rate of fire.25 Regrettably, present-day examinations did not reveal the location of these posts, but the use of throwing engines was demonstrated by finds of numerous projectiles, including one entirely preserved (40 × 40 cm).

Results

Conclusion