The catapults, of science

2004/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Historia

In the Greek era, science and technology were not far from the ordinary man. Neither then nor after. Of course, research did not have the same importance as today in these societies, but there is no doubt that it influenced society on many levels. And one of the most striking examples is the development of catapult.

Until they invented gunpowder, the catapult was the most powerful and powerful weapon that could be used in the war. The catapult used by the Romans, for example, threw stones of 27 kilos at a distance of 150 meters, while the one invented by Archimedes three times heavier. But to manufacture a weapon of these characteristics, scientific and technical research was essential.

In fact, those who made catapults were experts in physics, mathematics and material science, among others. For this reason, these scientists were of great importance in ancient societies. They and their science. In fact, the catapults strengthened relations between science and politics.