The Claw of Archimedes

By Crusader1307

This “device” was said to have existed in Ancient Syracuse (Sicily - 2nd B.C.) and was used to protect it's Harbor from enemy attack. Although only 2 “known” reports tell “The Claw's” story, it had been speculated that it was possibly a huge ancient Crane. Made of wood, the device consisted of a 100-foot extension “Arm” which featured a large (3 ton) bronze “Hand” (or Fulcrum - complete with fingers!). The theory was to “snatch” the Bow of an Enemies vessel and (using a pully/counterweight system) – would “lift” the enemy ship out of the water or cause it to capsize! Although no physical evidence (other than 15th Century paintings), of “The Claw” - many feel that Archimedes was speaking of Harbor Catapults. If “The Claw” existed, it would have been several stories high – and required at least 40 men to operate!