The Trebuchet

The very first type of cannon was called the trebuchet. The trebuchet is a type of catapult that works by using the energy of a raised counterweight to throw a projectile. An object called a sling, which contains the projectile, is placed below the axle, which supports the beam. When you release the trigger, the sling and the beam move into a vertical position, one end of the sling releases, and releases the projectile.

Types of Trebuchets

Traction Trebuchet
This is a type of trebuchet where a number of people pull ropes attached to a lever that has a sling and a long arm. This type of trebuchet launched projectiles a very short distance (about 100-200 feet). The traction trebuchet was first used by the Chinese, it then appeared in Byzantium.


Hand Trebuchet
The hand trebuchet was invented by the Greeks. It was basically a traction trebuchet that could be used by one person instead of multiple.

Counterweight Trebuchet
The counterwight trebuchet was a much more advanced type of trebuchet than the previous hand and traction trebuchets. It could launch projectiles much farther by using a counterweight instead of humans pulling it with ropes. The record launch is 2,034 feet. When gunpowder was introduced, the trebuchet became obsolete.

Sources:
http://images.imagestate.com/Watermark/1197564.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trebuchet
Manufacturerers: China, Byzantine Empire, Greece, United States.
Ammunition types: Old: Small bag containing spheres. New: Pumpkins