Topic ID #12385 - posted 6/13/2011 9:44 AM

Leonardo da Vinci's 'machine gun' cannon discovered by archeologists



Jennifer Palmer

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Leonardo da Vinci's 'machine gun' cannon discovered by archeologists
Archeologists in Croatia have identified what they believe is the world's only triple-barrel cannon inspired by the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.

By Nick Squires

5:53PM BST 10 Jun 2011

The bronze cannon, from the late 15th century, bears a striking resemblance to sketches drawn by the Renaissance inventor, notably in his Codex Atlanticus - the largest collection of his drawings and writing.

Mounted on a wooden carriage and wheels, it would have allowed a much more rapid rate of fire than traditional single-barreled guns - in a precursor to modern day machine guns. Soldiers would have been able to fire three cannon balls instead of one.

It was also lighter and more mobile than most cannon of the time, enabling troops to move it around the battlefield with comparative ease - a precursor to much later artillery.


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