What is the difference between a catapult and a ballista? Detailed answer

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What is the difference between a catapult and a ballista? Detailed answer

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What is the difference between a catapult and a ballista?

Initially, in ancient times, the term "catapult" was called a tool that threw arrows along a flat trajectory, and the term "ballista" was a tool that threw stones or cannonballs along a hinged trajectory. By the decline of the Roman Empire, the meanings had changed: now arrow throwers began to be called ballistas, and any throwing machines with a torsion principle of operation were generally called catapults. This confusion over the names and understanding of books about ancient weapons continues to this day.

Authors: Jimmy Wales, Larry Sanger

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Why do we celebrate New Year's?

Meeting the New Year is one of the oldest customs in the world. When did it start? Some believe that the Chinese were the first to celebrate this holiday, others attribute it to the ancient Germans, and still others believe that it was the Romans. We know that the Chinese always arrange on the occasion of the New Year, which comes later for them, which is why we have big celebrations that go on for several days.

The ancient Germans established the celebration of the New Year because of the change of seasons. Winter for the Germans began around mid-November. At this time they were harvesting. Since at this time everyone gathered together and since after the harvest they could take a break from work, they arranged a merry holiday on this occasion. Even though it was only November, they considered it the beginning of a new year!

When the Romans conquered Europe, they moved the time of the holiday to the first of January. For them, the onset of the New Year was a symbol of the beginning of a new life and hope for the future. The custom of celebrating the New Year and the significance of this holiday have remained unchanged to this day. We joyfully meet the New Year and hope that it will bring with it a good new life!

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