Traction Trebuchets from History

Traction Trebuchets from History

by Stephen Francis Wyley

Sorry, the pictures are not perfect, they are old scans I hope to update in the near future. This web page is a simple pictorial history of the traction trebuchet but the are plans afoot to improve it in the near future.

Thank you to Russell Miner and John Southall of the Grey Company for all their helpful advice and encouragement.

Stephen Francis Wyley

1190-97 A.D.

A traction trebuchet in use while being provided with covering fire from crossbowmen and archers. From the Chronicle of Petrus de Eboli showing the forces of Emperor Henry IV (1190-97) laying siege to Naples. Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid, Codice Griego Matritense de Skylitzes, f.151b.

This manuscript clearly indicates the single support traction trebuchet was used by both the besieged and the besieger. According to information gathered so far the single support traction trebuchet continued to be used in castle defence until the early 14th century (see the Genoese Annals).

Early 13th century A.D.

Relief Carving said to portray ‘The Crusader siege of Albigensian held Carcassone, southern French, early 13th century, (Basilica of St. Nazaire, Carcassone).

1240 A.D.

Richard I and the Saracens making a treaty (Corpus Christi MS, c.1240).

1250 A.D.

‘Saul destroys Nahash and the Ammonites’, Maciejowski Bible, French, c.1250 (M. 638, f.23v, The Pierpont Morgan Library, New York).

Maciejowski Bible, French, c.1250 (M. 638, f.?, The Pierpont Morgan Library, New York).

In both manuscripts from the Maciejowski Bible the method of attachment of the ropes to 'pullers' crossbeam are clearly indicated (a ring threaded through a second ring attached to the crossbeam.

1327 A.D.

14th century (?) A.D.

Pages from the Genoese Annals of events in the year 1327. Bibliothéque Nationale, Paris.

This manuscript shows the first use of the two triangle support style traction trebuchet which was later used in the counterpoise trebuchets. Note the small traction trebuchet in the castle on the hill (centre) and its similarity to those shown in the Chronicle of Petrus de Eboli. The illustration of the older single support style and the two triangle support style would indicate a transitional period.

A traction trebuchet on triangular supports (14th century ?), Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, MS Cat. 10136, f.107. Could this be a precursor to the 'counterpoise' trebuchets?

Links

Grey Company Trebuchet Page

Some links to other trebuchet-related sites

Vlachernai's Traction Trebuchet

TREBUCHET.COM