The Home of Cinderella's Revenge Trebuchet Team

The trebuchet is an ancient siege engine used for throwing large rocks. It was invented in China in about the 4^th century BC, came to Europe in the 6^th century AD, and did not become obsolete until the 16^th century, well after the introduction of gunpowder.

The trebuchet is basically a pivoting lever supported high above the ground by a timber frame.  The short end of the lever had a heavy counterweight, often weighing many tons, and the long end of the lever had a sling, which was typically filled with a huge rock.  The idea was to hurl large objects to crumble a castle wall so it can be invaded and attacked more easily.  The long throwing range of a trebuchet was also utilized to throw Greek Fire, dead animals and severed heads to scare and intimidate the enemy. 

Trebuchets are not to be confused with catapults. Trebuchets are much better than catapults. A really large trebuchet can reach out and squish a catapult with a half ton rock at 200 yards or more.