What do we call a deadly medieval weapon that throws big stones at walls?

The story behind the answer

This counterweight-powered siege engine used gravity and a sling to hurl massive stones at castle walls with superior range and accuracy. Unlike torsion catapults such as the mangonel, it relied on a falling weight rather than twisted ropes, and it wasn’t for shooting bolts like a ballista. The result: heavier projectiles, smoother release, and devastating impact on fortifications.

Perfected in Europe in the 12th–13th centuries and adapted from earlier traction designs from Asia and the Islamic world, it became the star of siege warfare. Famous builds like Edward I’s “Warwolf” reportedly launched 100–150 kg stones hundreds of meters, sometimes forcing surrender by fear alone. Crews also hurled rotting animals or incendiaries—grim precursors to psychological and biological tactics—until gunpowder cannon rendered the machine obsolete.