Ammianus Marcellinus, Rerum Gestarum, Book XXIII, chapter 4, section 3

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Book XIV: Constantius and Gallus

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[3] When its point has reached the outermost ropes, the arrow, driven by the power within, flies from the ballista out of sight, ¹ sometimes emitting sparks because of the excessive heat. And it often happens that before the weapon is seen, the pain of a mortal wound makes it felt.

1 Its action is like that of a huge crossbow. The arrow is drawn back by a cord fastened to the ropes on the rollers. When the catch is released, these ropes drive out the arrow.

Ammianus Marcellinus. With An English Translation. John C. Rolfe, Ph.D., Litt.D. Cambridge. Cambridge, Mass., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann, Ltd. 1935-1940.

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