Manjaniq (Early) # 4

Manjaniq (Early) # 3

Manjaniq (Early) # 2

Rear View showing the sack of rocks that is the weapon's counterwieght.
Note the crossbow fastened to the rear of the weapon, used for the
return of the weapon to "firing" battery.

Manjaniq (Early) # 1

Earliest Form of a Counterwieght; "Manjaniq," as described by al Tarsusi

Pyrotechnic Weapon; Greek Fire Syphon

The hypothetical reconstruction is based upon written descriptions
and one surviving illustration.  A vertical brass pump provides air
pressure via a bronze-bound leather hose to the main tank
consisting of two pieces of copper sheeting soldered together.
Underneath is a small brazier  and a pair of bellows.  Another hose
 takes the heated liquid to the  nozzle.

Redrawn and Enhanced  by Marcus Audens.

Reference: D. Nicolle, "Medieval Soege Weapons (2)," Osprey, 2003, New Vanguard 69.

Torsion-Powered Engine - Byzantine "alakation or ballista"

This weapon is probably a simplified version of a weapon common
during the Roman period.  The weapon could be aimed up and
down and side to side.  It had two separate bow arms  (oak) and
twisted skiens stretched across a wooden frame.  A crosspiece of
iron with a claw is held in place by two staples nailed to the stock.
An iron "key" with a length of rope served as a release mechanism.

Redrawn ad Enhanced - Marcus Audens

Reference: D. Nicolle, "Medieval Siege Weapons (2)," Osprey, 2003, N.V. 69