Mediaval Giant Crossbow or "à tour", war machine, 14th century

Siege crossbows or "à tour" appeared from the 11th century and were inspired by portable crossbows. They are mainly used during sieges to destroy weapons and siege engines. These machines use arrows which can have a range of more than 300 m. A German chronicle reports that a crossbow pierced 3 men and a horse before sticking into a door more than 360 meters away. At the siege of Termes in 1210, Simon de Montfort narrowly escaped death by this machine. While he is in his tent, a bolt thrown by t…

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