As fans of the indomitable Gauls, we don’t usually credit the Romans with much martial skill. And in fact, much of their knowledge originally came from the Greeks. So it is with the scorpion, a large throwing machine that could shoot bolts up to 350 metres and thus put enemies out of action. This ballista was originally invented by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, and the word ballista actually derives from the Greek word for “throw”.

No matter Greek or Roman, with the Ballista Wooden Construction Kit you can assemble this gun yourself as a miniature. From the 142 wooden parts you can build an almost lifelike replica in about three hours, which you can actually fire with the help of the enclosed rubber band. The three arrows with which you can aim at the wooden warriors or also at other play figures are rounded for the safety of all involved. The gears on the sides are for better alignment, so you can pull from any terrain at the right angle. In addition, the ballista can rotate 360° on its base, allowing you to repel even an attack at your back.

Despite its small size, this ballista is an intimidating war machine that can bring any opponent to their knees – as long as no magic potion is involved ;).