Scythed Chariot

ROYAL LIBRARY OF TURIN AND BRITISH MUSEUM, MS B

Leonardo took the Roman idea for a chariot pulled by horses and added four long rotating scythes (blades) to either side. The scythed chariot was a lethal weapon used in combat. Leonardo’s version had rotating horizontal blades operated by an axle-driven transmission system. As the chariot moved forward, the scythes would turn, cutting anyone in their path. This machine attacked only while in forward motion.