With Forged in Fire’s latest episode, "Instruments of Death: Masters of the Siege," airing on October 2, 2024, fans are in for a treat as bladesmiths tackle the challenge of building ancient siege weapons. These instruments of destruction weren’t just big and brutal; they were ingeniously designed to break through fortresses, tear down walls, and make the enemy tremble in their boots.

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So, in the spirit of siege warfare, let’s take a look at five of the most effective siege weapons from history—powerhouses that made kings reconsider their walls and architects rethink their castles.

The Trebuchet: The Flipping Medieval Catapult

You can’t talk siege weapons without mentioning the trebuchet—arguably the medieval equivalent of a wrecking ball, but with way more style. This bad boy was essentially a massive slingshot capable of hurling projectiles like boulders, fire pots, or—when things got really bad—rotting animal carcasses to spread disease.

Invented in China and perfected in Europe during the Middle Ages, the trebuchet relied on a counterweight system. When that massive weight dropped, the long arm of the trebuchet would whip forward and fling projectiles up to 300 pounds with deadly precision. Castles didn’t stand much of a chance when a well-built trebuchet started launching missiles at them.

Fun fact: Some trebuchets could launch objects over 300 yards. That’s the length of three football fields! Medieval engineers clearly weren’t playing around.

The Battering Ram: The “Let Me In!” Device

When brute force is your game, the battering ram is your MVP. This tool was as simple as it was effective—a huge log, sometimes capped with iron, swung repeatedly against a gate or wall until it collapsed. The battering ram has been around since ancient times, used by the Romans, Greeks, and just about every civilization that ever tried to knock down someone else's front door.

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But these weren’t just plain logs. The more advanced versions were suspended on wheels or hung from overhead beams, which allowed attackers to repeatedly smash them into fortifications with terrifying force. If you heard the rhythmic thumping of a battering ram outside your gates, chances are your walls weren’t going to hold for long.

Though it lacked finesse, there’s something to be said for the “knock, knock, BOOM” approach.

The Ballista: A Giant Crossbow on Steroids

Imagine a crossbow the size of a horse, and you’ve got the ballista. This ancient Greek and Roman weapon hurled massive bolts, or in some cases, large stones, at enemy fortifications. The sheer size and power of the ballista made it the perfect choice for picking off defenders on castle walls or delivering a deadly punch to wooden structures.

Unlike the more chaotic trajectory of a catapult or trebuchet, the ballista’s bolts flew in a straight line, making it a sniper’s dream. It was so accurate that it was reportedly used to snipe individuals off castle walls or even into small openings. It’s like a medieval headshot, but with way more wood and muscle behind it.

The Siege Tower: The Ultimate "VIP Access" Pass

When you can’t knock down the walls, why not just climb over them? The siege tower was essentially a massive, mobile building designed to allow attackers to scale high walls. Picture a multi-story, wooden tower rolling across the battlefield, packed with soldiers and archers. Once the tower reached the wall, a drawbridge would drop, allowing the soldiers to storm directly onto the ramparts.

These towers were often armored to protect against arrows and boiling oil (a common hospitality greeting from defenders), but their effectiveness really depended on reaching the wall intact. And sure, they were slow and clunky, but once that bridge dropped, things got real for anyone defending the castle.

Fun fact: Some siege towers were so massive they had to be built on-site and took weeks to complete. Talk about dedication to your craft!

Greek Fire: Ancient Napalm that Made Everyone Panic

If you’ve ever thought fire was scary, imagine a fire you couldn’t put out with water. Enter Greek Fire, the ancient Byzantine Empire’s secret weapon that brought literal fire and brimstone down on enemy ships and fortifications. This flammable liquid was launched via tubes or siphons, often in naval battles, and was notorious for burning even on water.

The exact formula for Greek Fire has been lost to history (and probably for the best), but we know it was terrifyingly effective. When it was unleashed on enemy ships or soldiers, it caused chaos and panic. Imagine you’re defending a castle, and suddenly you see a wall of flame creeping toward you that not even a bucket of water could extinguish. It’s no wonder this ancient weapon became legendary.

Siege Weapons: Ingenious and Devastating

From the colossal trebuchet to the fiery devastation of Greek Fire, these siege weapons showcase the remarkable ingenuity of ancient warfare. They were designed to tear down even the most formidable defenses, and while they might look crude by today’s standards, they were the heavy-hitters of their day.

As Forged in Fire brings these instruments of destruction to the modern forge, we can’t wait to see how the contestants put their spin on these historical game-changers. So, grab your seat for “Instruments of Death: Masters of the Siege” on October 2, 2024—it’s going to be a battle of brains, brawn, and some seriously deadly designs!

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