During the Middle Ages, people achieved remarkable progress in the development of various combat tools and mechanical weapons. Among these weapons, one of the most intriguing and mysterious examples is considered to be the Venetian balestrino. Due to its small size, some historians believe that this weapon may have been used by professional assassins of that era. The reason is that the balestrino was a compact type of crossbow that could easily be hidden under clothing.
“Solving problems” in the Middle Ages
Imagine the situation:
you have been treated unfairly, your family's honor has been insulted, or the woman you love has been taken from you. In medieval Venice, such situations were sometimes resolved through very harsh means. At the beginning of the Renaissance, secret conflicts between wealthy families, political intrigues, and even contract killings were not uncommon.
The methods used to resolve such “issues” were sometimes quite inventive and unusual. In the 15th–16th centuries, small portable crossbows known as balestrinos became popular. Because of their compact size, many people believe that this weapon was an ideal tool for professional assassins.
A small but effective weapon
The balestrino differed significantly from classical military crossbows. Its length usually did not exceed 30 centimeters, which made it light and easy to conceal.
This small crossbow, equipped with a steel bow, could shoot bolts at a distance of up to about 50 meters and had a draw weight of approximately 25–30 kilograms. Some more powerful models reached 40 kilograms.
Although these characteristics might theoretically make it suitable for covert attacks, historians note that in practice it was not particularly effective.
Myth and reality
The popular belief that the balestrino was the primary weapon of Venetian assassins is still debated among historians. The main reason is its relatively weak power.
For comparison, many modern crossbows used for recreational shooting have a draw weight of no more than 43 kilograms, and therefore they are not legally considered weapons in many countries. Meanwhile, hunting crossbows typically have a draw weight of 90–120 kilograms.
Medieval technology was stronger than we think
One interesting fact is that some modern manufacturers claim that only modern technology has made it possible to create extremely powerful crossbows. However, history suggests otherwise.
In fact, medieval craftsmen were already capable of producing crossbows with steel limbs and draw weights of 400–500 kilograms. The primary purpose of such weapons was to penetrate the heavy armor of knights.
This fact demonstrates that the technology of that time was sometimes far more advanced than we tend to assume.
The main drawback of the balestrino
One of the main limitations of the balestrino was the difficulty of preparing it for use.
Usually, a special screw mechanism located at the rear of the crossbow was used to cock the string. In some cases, this process was even more complicated and time-consuming than preparing a full-sized military crossbow.
For this reason, some historians doubt that the balestrino was widely used by professional assassins.
The myth of poisoned bolts
Another widespread belief is that the bolts of the balestrino were coated with poison. Some sources claim that this weapon was used with poisoned projectiles.
However, this idea is also questionable. In medieval Venice, it was often much easier to kill someone with a cold weapon directly in the street.
Poisoning usually served a different purpose. Poison was added to food or drinks in small doses, gradually weakening the victim’s health. As a result, the death would appear more natural.
Entertainment of the aristocracy
Some researchers believe that the balestrino was mainly used as a form of entertainment and sport for aristocrats.
An interesting fact is that European nobles once used these small crossbows to hunt frogs or other small animals.