Here is the tape of the first program in the Secrets of Lost Empires NOVA mini-series, which aired on PBS stations across the country in Feb. Background A group of some 50 timber framers traveled to northern Scotland, to participate in building authentic replicas of a medieval siege engine called a trebuchet. The project was filmed by NOVA/WGBH Boston for NOVA's Secrets of Lost Empires series. Great medieval castles still stand as a testament to the fearsome nature of siege warfare. The thick stone walls appear impregnable even today. Without cannon fire at their disposal, how did 13th century attackers' lay siege to these formidable fortresses? They relied on trebuchets. A massive wooden structure, the trebuchet is built in proportion to the length of its longest piece — the throwing arm. The long throwing arm harnesses gravity to fling huge stone missiles with enough speed, accuracy and power to knock down a castle wall . . . at least according to medieval manuscript accounts. NOVA's goal was to test out the validity of these claims. The project took place in the shadows of Urquhart Castle, overlooking Loch Ness in Inverness, Scotland. Over a 15-day period, in a field adjoining the castle, the volunteer timber framers built two full-size trebuchets of competing designs, with an international team of engineers and medieval historians contributing their expertise. In constructing these machines, NOVA hoped to demonstrate the tools and techniques available to a 13th century carpenter. The final test was knocking down a masonry replica of a castle's curtain wall. |