What is a trebuchet?

A trebuchet is a siege weapon developed in medieval times, especially effective from the 12th century onward. It works by using a heavy counterweight or falling weight to swing a long arm and launch stones or other projectiles. Trebuchets were used to damage walls, towers, and fortifications during warfare. Because they could hurl large projectiles with considerable force, they became one of the most important artillery machines before gunpowder weapons spread widely. Today they are often built in educational demonstrations to show principles of energy transfer and mechanics.