History, Science, Technology:Ancient Engineering
Ingenious achievements of the ancients
RLT HOME  .  Catapult Kits  .  DaVinci Kits  .  Bridges & Towers  .  Levers & Gears  .  Backyard Artillery  .  Customer Feedback  .  Your Cart 
Click Here For a complete list of all our models and kits


Medieval Battering Ram
 The Medieval Battering Ram was an awesome force in ancient times. With it, a small group of men could easily bust through the portcullis and gates of virtually any castle.
   $39.95  more info

The Chinese South Pointing Chariot
 It was invented in China, about 2600 years ago, and is one of the most precise machines in ancient history. It is a non-magnetic compass, and the oldest example of differential gearing in the world.
   $69.00  more info

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.
   $34.95  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.
   $29.95  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!
   $34.95  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!
   $49.95  more info

Perpetual Motion Machine
 The classic overbalanced wheel, a so-called "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.
   $149.00  more info

The Catenary Arch
 Can be built with or without glue. The catenary curve makes the most stable form of arch tower and is the same curve used to make the Gateway Arch of St. Louis.
   $44.95  more info
Tell your friends!

Links


Search for stuff
Search:
By Age
By Max Price
By Keyword
(help)

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.