Zhuge Repeating Crossbow (Liannu)

Timeline

1. c. 200–280Central Plains · ChinaRecords in Sanguo Zhi and other texts state that Zhuge Liang improved the repeating crossbow so that one crossbow could discharge ten bolts at once; though the specific mechanism is disputed, it shows that the concept of a repeating crossbow existed in the Three Kingdoms period.
2. c. 220–263Chengdu · BashuShu Han carried out weapons improvements in Yizhou; the repeating crossbow served as a firepower means to offset its manpower disadvantage and, according to tradition, saw use in the northern expeditions and city-defense battles.
3. c. 300–500Jiankang · JiangnanMilitary texts and battle accounts of the Northern and Southern Dynasties still record repeating crossbows, mostly used for city defense and suppressing fire before infantry formations; the mechanism may have evolved with regional craftsman traditions.