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The oxybeles (Greek: οξυβελής) was a weapon used by the Ancient Greeks starting in 375 BC. The word is derived from Ancient Greek: οξύς (oxys = sharp, pointed) and βέλος (belos = arrow). 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.
See also
Notes
- Kinard, Jeff. Artillery: An Illustrated History Of Its Impact. Online link. pp. 3–4.
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References
- Duncan B. Campbell and Brian Delf, Greek and Roman Artillery 399 BC–AD 363, New Vanguard series 89, Osprey Publishing Ltd., Oxford 2003. ISBN 1 84176 634 8
- John Warry, Warfare in the Classical World, Salamander Books Ltd., London 1995. ISBN 0-8061-2794-5
| Ancient mechanical artillery and hand-held missile weapons | |
|---|---|
| Generic terms | |
| Crew-served arrow-throwers | |
| Crew-served stone-throwers | |
| Hand-held weapons | |
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