Le boulet - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The boulet, also known as boulet de canon or cannonball, is a spherical projectile that is fired from a cannon or artillery piece.
- 2. Boulets were commonly used in warfare during the 17th to 19th centuries, before the invention of more modern projectiles such as shells and bullets.
- 3. The boulet was typically made of cast iron or lead, and could range in size from a few inches to over a foot in diameter, depending on the size of the cannon.
- 4. The boulet was designed to cause maximum damage upon impact, either by smashing through enemy fortifications or by causing fragmentation and injury to enemy troops.
- 5. Boulets were often heated before firing to increase their effectiveness, as the heat would cause them to expand and potentially cause more damage upon impact.
- 6. The impact of a boulet could be devastating, causing destruction to buildings, vehicles, and personnel in its path.
- 7. Boulets were also commonly used in naval warfare, where they were fired from ship-mounted cannons to disable enemy vessels or coastal fortifications.
- 8. The use of boulets declined with the advent of more modern artillery technology, such as rifled cannons and explosive shells, which were more accurate and effective in combat.
- 9. Today, boulets are primarily used for historical reenactments and as decorative items in museums and private collections.
- 10. The boulet remains an iconic symbol of early modern warfare, representing the power and destructive force of artillery in battle.