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The “oxybeles” arrow-firing catapult of Zopyrus of Tarentum (4th c. B.C.)

It was a catapult that launched two arrows simultaneously. The sliding central beam (“slider”) cocked with the help of a manual windlass. The narrow metal claw (retaining pin) held the two half-strings of the bow via a perforated binding lamina. This ensured the even distribution of force to the two arrows at the launch. The catapult was mounted on a base that allowed the horizontal and vertical regulation of the launch angle.