Scorpio (weapon): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Roman ballista-like torsion siege engine}} |
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[[Image:Balliste.jpg|thumb| |
[[Image:Balliste.jpg|thumb|250px|A modern reconstruction of the scorpio.]] |
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{{RomanMilitary}} |
{{RomanMilitary}} |
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The '''''scorpio''''' or '''scorpion''' was a type of [[military of ancient Rome|Roman]] [[torsion siege engine]] and field [[Roman military engineering|artillery]] piece. It was described in detail by the early-imperial Roman architect and engineer [[Vitruvius]]<ref>[[Vitruvius]], ''[[De architectura|De Architectura]]'', [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Vitruvius/10*.html X:10:1-6].</ref> in the 1st century BC and by the 4th century AD officer and historian [[Ammianus Marcellinus]].<ref name="Marcellinus">[[Ammianus Marcellinus]], ''[https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Ammian/home.html Roman History]'', [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Ammian/23*.html XXIII:4].</ref> |
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The '''scorpio''' or '''scorpion''' was a type of [[military of ancient Rome|Roman]] [[Roman military engineering|artillery]] piece. Also known by the name of the triggerfish, it was described in detail by [[Vitruvius]]. In the progressive evolution of [[catapult]]s, the next major improvement after the scorpio was the [[cheiroballistra]].<ref>Warry, J. (1995), ''Warfare in the Classical World'', pg 178; Salamander Books Ltd., London: United Kingdom. ISBN 0-8061-2794-5</ref> |
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A weapon of remarkable precision and power, the scorpio was particularly dreaded by the enemies of the [[Roman Empire]].{{citation needed|date=February 2016}} |
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== Design == |
== Design == |
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{{see also|Torsion siege engine|Onager (weapon)|Ballista|Polybolos|Oxybeles}} |
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Two versions are known: a horizontal two-armed variety like a ballista and a one-armed, vertical version otherwise referred to as an [[onager (weapon)|''onager'']]. The scorpion was made of a ground frame made of two beams joined together with crossbeams. Spring holes were drilled into the sides of the beams to allow for ropes to be placed in, thus allowing them to serve as sinew-springs. This gave the weapon more power. An arm made of wood known as the ''stilus'', with iron hooks at the end, was used to hold the stone or bolt which was to be fired.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Drijvers |first1=Jan Willem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=74sqBgAAQBAJ |title=The Late Roman World and Its Historian: Interpreting Ammianus Marcellinus |last2=Hunt |first2=David |date=2003-09-02 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-63179-7 |pages=29–30 |language=en}}</ref> The fourth century army officer and historian Ammianus Marcellinus witnessed the use of ''scorpiones'' during several engagements in the [[Persian wars of Constantius II]], and described the one-armed version as synonymous with the ''onager'', with the vertical upraised arm as the 'scorpion's sting'.<ref name="Marcellinus " /> The complexity of construction and in particular the torsion springs (which the Romans referred to as ''tormenta'') led to great sensitivity to any variation in temperature or moisture, which limited their use. While this type of technology continued to be used in the [[Byzantine Empire]], which was the continuation of the Roman Empire through the [[Middle Ages]], it had disappeared in the Middle Ages in Western Europe. Unlike the [[Onager (weapon)|onager]], the scorpion only required one man to operate it.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UEKVCwAAQBAJ |title=A History of the World in 100 Weapons |date=2014-04-20 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-4728-0831-8 |pages=27–28 |language=en}}</ref> |
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The scorpio was a smaller catapult-type weapon, more of a [[sniper]] weapon than a [[siege engine]], operated by one man. The scorpio was basically an early crossbow, a "catapult with bolts", probably first invented by the [[Greeks]], then later adopted and used on a larger scale by the [[Roman legion]]s. This catapult used a system of [[torsion spring]]s to propel the bolts. |
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In 52 BC, during the siege of [[Avaricum]] in the war against the [[Gauls]], [[Julius Caesar]] mentions the ''scorpio'' in use as an anti-personnel weapon against the Gallic town's defenders.<ref>[[Julius Caesar]], ''[[Commentarii de Bello Gallico|Commentarii de bello Gallico]]'', [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0001%3Abook%3D7%3Achapter%3D25 VII:25]</ref><ref>Gilliver, Kate (2002), ''[https://openlibrary.org/works/OL6028313W/Caesar%27s_Gallic_wars_58-50_B.C?edition=key%3A/books/OL3674741M Caesar's Gallic Wars, 58-50 BC]'' (Series: Essential Histories); [[Osprey Publishing]], pp 54-55.</ref> The late third or early fifth century Roman author [[Vegetius]] described weapons like the scorpion mounted on carts for campaign use. According to Vegetius, the [[Roman Empire]] ideally fielded fifty-five ''[[carroballista|carroballistae]]'' per [[Roman legion|legion]], one for every [[Centuria#Military|century]], of whom ten men would be deputed to operate the machine. These, which match Vitruvius's description and the depictions on [[Trajan's Column]] and the [[Column of Marcus Aurelius]], he describes as mule-drawn, armour-piercing [[ballistae]] which "are to be used not only for defending the camp, but also in the field".<ref>[[Vegetius]], ''[https://www.loc.gov/resource/rbc0001.2014rosen0061/?r=-8.173,-0.04,17.345,10.932,0 De re militari]'', II, 25.</ref> The carroballista could be synonymous with, or very similar to, the ''scorpio'' mounted (and not merely transported) on a cart. |
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The complexity of construction and in particular the torsion springs (which the Romans referred to as ''tormenta'') led to great sensitivity to any variation in temperature or moisture, which limited their use. Moreover, this type of technology, which disappeared by the [[High Middle Ages]] (with the exception of the [[Byzantine Empire]] which was the continuation of the Roman Empire in the Middle Ages), reappeared during the [[First Crusade]] in the form of a new type of catapult based on a system of slings and counterweights for the projection of stone balls, and as giant crossbows as the field of [[metallurgy]] progressed. |
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The bolt-firing scorpio had mainly two functions in a legion. In precision shooting, it was a weapon of marksmanship capable of cutting down any foe within a distance of {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}}. In parabolic shooting, the range is greater, with distances up to {{convert|400|m|abbr=on}}, and the firing rate is higher (3 to 4 shots per minute). With precision shooting the rate of fire was significantly less. Scorpions could be used in an [[artillery battery]] at the top of a hill or other high ground, the side of which was protected by the main body of the legion. The weight and speed of a bolt was sufficient to pierce enemy shields, usually also wounding the enemy so struck. |
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Like other ancient artillery, the scorpion could be cumbersome and costly campaign equipment, as it could be quite difficult to move quickly and usually acted as a fixed weapon used in infantry defense and for sieges,<ref>{{cite web |last=Cartwright |first=Mark |date=February 4, 2014 |title=Roman Artillery |url=http://www.ancient.eu/article/649/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314170947/https://www.worldhistory.org/article/649/roman-artillery/ |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |website=[[World History Encyclopedia]] |publisher=}}</ref> where it was used both as a siege weapon, fired by the besiegers from earthworks and siege towers, and as an element in cities' defences, mounted on walls and towers. |
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During the [[Roman Republic]] and early empire, sixty scorpiones per [[Roman legion|legion]] was the standard, or one for every [[Centuria#Military|centuria]]. The scorpio had mainly two functions in a legion. In precision shooting, it was a weapon of marksmanship capable of cutting down any foe within a distance of 100 meters. During the siege of [[Avaricum]] in the war against the [[Gauls]], [[Julius Caesar]] describes the terrifying precision of the scorpio.<ref>Gilliver, Kate (2002), ''Caesar's Gallic Wars, 58-50 BC'' (Series: Essential Histories); [[Osprey Publishing]], pp 54-55.</ref> In parabolic shooting, the range is greater, with distances up to 400 meters, the firing rate is higher (3 to 4 shots per minute). With precision shooting the rate of fire was significantly less. |
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A further development of [[torsion siege engine|torsion siege engines]] ''scorpio'' was the ''[[Cheiroballistra|cheiroballista]]''.<ref>Warry, J. (1995), ''[https://openlibrary.org/works/OL2922659W/Warfare_in_the_classical_world Warfare in the Classical World]'', pg 178; Salamander Books Ltd., London: United Kingdom. {{ISBN|0-8061-2794-5}}</ref> |
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Scorpiones were typically used in an [[artillery battery]] at the top of a hill or other high ground, the side of which was protected by the main body of the legion. In this case, there are sixty scorpiones present which can fire up to 240 bolts per minute at the enemy army. The weight and speed of a bolt was sufficient to pierce enemy shields, and usually also to wound that enemy. |
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== Media == |
== Media == |
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<gallery> |
<gallery> |
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Image:Balliste fireing.jpg|Modern reconstruction |
Image:Balliste fireing.jpg|Modern reconstruction |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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* [http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/~whutchis/scorpion/ A Reconstruction of Vitruvius' Scorpion] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20211016150012/http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/~whutchis/scorpion/ A Reconstruction of Vitruvius' Scorpion] |
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{{Ancient mechanical artillery and hand-held missile weapons}} |
{{Ancient mechanical artillery and hand-held missile weapons}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Scorpio (Weapon)}} |
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[[Category:Roman artillery]] |
[[Category:Roman artillery]] |
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[[Category:Field artillery]] |
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Latest revision as of 10:33, 25 September 2024
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The scorpio or scorpion was a type of Roman torsion siege engine and field artillery piece. It was described in detail by the early-imperial Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius[1] in the 1st century BC and by the 4th century AD officer and historian Ammianus Marcellinus.[2]
Design
[edit]Two versions are known: a horizontal two-armed variety like a ballista and a one-armed, vertical version otherwise referred to as an onager. The scorpion was made of a ground frame made of two beams joined together with crossbeams. Spring holes were drilled into the sides of the beams to allow for ropes to be placed in, thus allowing them to serve as sinew-springs. This gave the weapon more power. An arm made of wood known as the stilus, with iron hooks at the end, was used to hold the stone or bolt which was to be fired.[3] The fourth century army officer and historian Ammianus Marcellinus witnessed the use of scorpiones during several engagements in the Persian wars of Constantius II, and described the one-armed version as synonymous with the onager, with the vertical upraised arm as the 'scorpion's sting'.[2] The complexity of construction and in particular the torsion springs (which the Romans referred to as tormenta) led to great sensitivity to any variation in temperature or moisture, which limited their use. While this type of technology continued to be used in the Byzantine Empire, which was the continuation of the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages, it had disappeared in the Middle Ages in Western Europe. Unlike the onager, the scorpion only required one man to operate it.[4]
Use
[edit]In 52 BC, during the siege of Avaricum in the war against the Gauls, Julius Caesar mentions the scorpio in use as an anti-personnel weapon against the Gallic town's defenders.[5][6] The late third or early fifth century Roman author Vegetius described weapons like the scorpion mounted on carts for campaign use. According to Vegetius, the Roman Empire ideally fielded fifty-five carroballistae per legion, one for every century, of whom ten men would be deputed to operate the machine. These, which match Vitruvius's description and the depictions on Trajan's Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius, he describes as mule-drawn, armour-piercing ballistae which "are to be used not only for defending the camp, but also in the field".[7] The carroballista could be synonymous with, or very similar to, the scorpio mounted (and not merely transported) on a cart.
The bolt-firing scorpio had mainly two functions in a legion. In precision shooting, it was a weapon of marksmanship capable of cutting down any foe within a distance of 100 m (330 ft). In parabolic shooting, the range is greater, with distances up to 400 m (1,300 ft), and the firing rate is higher (3 to 4 shots per minute). With precision shooting the rate of fire was significantly less. Scorpions could be used in an artillery battery at the top of a hill or other high ground, the side of which was protected by the main body of the legion. The weight and speed of a bolt was sufficient to pierce enemy shields, usually also wounding the enemy so struck.
Like other ancient artillery, the scorpion could be cumbersome and costly campaign equipment, as it could be quite difficult to move quickly and usually acted as a fixed weapon used in infantry defense and for sieges,[8] where it was used both as a siege weapon, fired by the besiegers from earthworks and siege towers, and as an element in cities' defences, mounted on walls and towers.
A further development of torsion siege engines scorpio was the cheiroballista.[9]
Media
[edit]-
Modern reconstruction -
Scorpio in fortified position -
Scorpio mounted on walls -
Dacian scorpio
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.jpg)
.jpg)
References
[edit]- ^ Vitruvius, De Architectura, X:10:1-6.
- ^ a b Ammianus Marcellinus, Roman History, XXIII:4.
- ^ Drijvers, Jan Willem; Hunt, David (2003-09-02). The Late Roman World and Its Historian: Interpreting Ammianus Marcellinus. Routledge. pp. 29–30. ISBN 978-1-134-63179-7.
- ^ McNab, Chris (2014-04-20). A History of the World in 100 Weapons. Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 27–28. ISBN 978-1-4728-0831-8.
- ^ Julius Caesar, Commentarii de bello Gallico, VII:25
- ^ Gilliver, Kate (2002), Caesar's Gallic Wars, 58-50 BC (Series: Essential Histories); Osprey Publishing, pp 54-55.
- ^ Vegetius, De re militari, II, 25.
- ^ Cartwright, Mark (February 4, 2014). "Roman Artillery". World History Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023.
- ^ Warry, J. (1995), Warfare in the Classical World, pg 178; Salamander Books Ltd., London: United Kingdom. ISBN 0-8061-2794-5