Mechanical crossbow on stand (euthytonon) attributed to Philo of Byzantium (active 150-100 BC). When arms CC wound back against skeins or sinews, the ends of ropes, here shown hanging down from ends of arms, were connected to hook, so holding arms back From "Poliorceticon sive de machinis tormentis telis" by Justus Lipsius (Antwerp, 1605) Engraving

Interior Of Armoury With Breastplate, Pike, Crossbow And Arrows - Gothic 15th Century Artist Unknown Fresco Castle at Issogne, Valle d'Aosta, Italy