Oxybeles

Oxybeles

The oxybeles (Οξυβόλος, literally "bolt shooter") was a weapon used by the Ancient Greeks starting in 375 BC.^[1] 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.

Notes

↑ Kinard, Jeff. Artillery: An Illustrated History Of Its Impact. Online link. pp. 3–4.

Ancient mechanical artillery and hand-held missile weapons

Generic phrases	Greek and Roman artillery Ballista Catapult Torsion siege engine

Crew-served arrow-shooters	Carroballista Catapulta Oxybeles Polybolos Scorpio

Crew-served stone-projectors	Lithobolos Onager

Hand-held weapons	Cheiroballistra Crossbow Gastraphetes

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