Battering Ram

The Battering ram, the most famous of all Medieval weapons!

The Battering Ram was used to batter down castle gates, doors and walls. Huge tree trunks were used to make a battering ram which were often fitted with a metal head and supported by metal bands. The thick stone walls of the Stone castles were difficult for men to knock down. The battering ram was particularly useful since the weight of several men would be put behind it. This would make it a considerable force that could seriously weaken and possibly destroy doors or walls.

The invading army swung the tree trunk back and forth battering its target. Considerable organisation was required to use the battering ram. The Battering Ram was most effective against wooden gates and doors. However, a Battering Ram also proved effective against stone castles particularly when they were aimed at the castle corners. The design of the Battering Ram was modified and a war machine, called a 'Bore' was developed to compliment the Battering Ram.

Weapons Sword Lance Shield Chainmail Axe Mace Dagger Longbow Catapult Gunpowder battering ram