Present arms!

Any weapon used over a range can be divided with respect to the way projectiles are fired. The oldest and the simplest weapon is one in which a projectile is fired by the energy of a human hand and arm. Next comes a weapon in which a projectile is fired by the energy collected in a drawn or twisted bowstring. The next type is a weapon in which a projectile is fired by the energy collected in a lifted and then dropped weight. The most perfect and terrible weapon- firearms is a modern-era invention. In this type of weapon a projectile is fired by the energy of expanding gases, resulting from rapid burning of explosives, such as black powder (including pneumatic weapon, popular nowadays, in which a projectile is fired by air pressure). The main difference between forearms and all the other types of weapons is a huge initial velocity of the projectile. Its trajectory can be flatter than that of other types of projectiles. It was the basic difference between powerful and perfect medieval hurling machines and even the most primitive artillery. Projectiles of old machines had to be hurled at large angles and fell “from the sky” crushing buildings and defenders. However, it was difficult to hit a narrow line of defensive walls using this type of weapons. Projectiles fired by the first cannons had a flat trajectory and large velocity, hitting and crushing walls of medieval fortresses like powerful battering rams. This was the end of medieval military defensive art and the beginning of modern fortification systems in which a powerful earthen embankment supported by a thick wall became a key element. Projectiles stuck in the embankment without causing any damage. In the 16th and at the beginning of the 17th century fortifications which used to soar up into the sky with monumental towers and high walls became chunky and low.