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History, Science, Technology:Ancient Engineering
Ingenious achievements of the ancients

The Desktop Onager
 The Mighty Roman ONAGER, Now available in a desktop model. This display-quality model really works and can shoot missiles up to twenty feet.
   $26.95  more info

The Desktop Trebuchet
 Defend your desktop! The mere presence of this striking machine on your desk will induce fear and respect among your peers. Take charge and besiege your opponents with a fully functional, genuine trebuchet for your desk!
   $34.95  more info

Leonardo DaVinci's Cam Hammer
 This cam-operated automatic hammer is a perfect addition to anyone's collection of Leonardo DaVinci's works!
   $24.95  more info

Leonardo DaVinci's Self-Supporting Arch Bridge
 No glue! The unique structure of this bridge holds itself together without any fasteners or connectors. All parts are precision cut from high-quality hardwood. The finished model is 36” wide, 10” tall and 5-1/2” wide.
   $21.95  more info

Perpetual Motion Machine
 The classic "overbalanced wheel" perpetual motion machine, as designed by French Architect Villiard De Honnecourt in about 1235, and studied extensively by Leonardo Da Vinci in the late 1400's.
   $98.00  more info

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Interesting Notes

The Roman Onager was the main artillery device of the Roman army. It was named after the Asian Wild Ass because they both have a tendancy to "kick" when they go off.

Oftentimes, an Onager would be fitted with a sling on the end of the arm instead of a cup or bucket. The sling will give greater range to a heavier projectile, but can only hurl one rock at a time. The bucket could be filled with lots of rocks at once - an effective anti-personnel device.

The kinds of things the Romans hurled includes heavy rocks and clay pots filled with pitch and tar- on fire.

Onagers are sometimes called a "Mangonel", but Mangonel literally translates as "War Machine" - a category that also includes ballistae and trebuchets.

The Onagers were used from early Roman times right up to the medieval period alongside the trebuchets. They lost their advantage to the cannons and gunpowder in the 13th century.