H. brought in a very special model today. He received it as a Christmas present from his Grandpa. It is a scale model of the catapult designed by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century.
Catapults were first invented in Ancient Greek and Roman times, and Leonard da Vinci reinvented them by using the energy stored in the bent wood to give power to the swing arm. It was used as a seige weapon. Gradually, the catapult was replaced by gunpowder weapons as they became more reliable.
H. demonstrated his catapult by hurling clay pellets. They travelled quite a distance. What a fantastic model, H.!
