From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The oxybeles (Οξυβόλος, literally "bolt shooter") was a weapon used by the Ancient Greeks starting in 375 BC. The weapon was basically an oversized gastraphetes, a composite bow placed on a stand with a stock and a trigger. It was supplanted by the scientifically engineered ballista. The difference between the two is the use of torsion power by the ballista. The most notable use of the oxybeles was under Alexander the Great's rule.

External links

• Reconstructions and Plans of Greek and Roman Artillery
• Image of an oxybeles

Ancient mechanical artillery and hand-held missile weapons Generic terms Ballista  · Catapult  · Torsion siege engine Crew-served arrow-shooters Catapulta  · Oxybeles  · Polybolos  · Scorpio Crew-served stone-projectors Lithobolos  · Onager Hand-held weapons Cheiroballista  · Crossbow  · Gastraphetes