Secrets of Lost Empires II: Medieval Siege

If you've ever had a hankering to build a full-sized trebuchet, but have yet to get that project together, this video will either satisfy that urge or make you crazy. A group of medieval warfare aficionados, including historians, carpenters, riggers, stone masons, and a mechanical engineer, set about the task of constructing not one, but two, full-size, functional trebuchets--the ultimate siege weapon of the high Middle Ages. In addition, they build a replica of a section of castle wall, exacted to 13th century standards, to use as a target for their 250 pound sandstone ball missiles. When this intrepid group of English, American and French enthusiasts finally put the right tweak on the trebuchets, the results --from 200 yards away--lend a good deal of credibility to the notion that castles in the high Middle Ages were far from unbreachable. An absolutely fascinating look at what was the equivalent of field artillery in the 13th-15th centuries, this episode from the new 5-part NOVA compilation is highly recommended. The other titles in the series are: Pharaoh's Obelisk, Easter Island, Roman Bath and China Bridge, all $19.95 each, or $69.95 as a boxed set. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)