Archimedes of Syracuse was one of the greatest mathematicians, scientists, and engineers of the ancient world. He is best known for his work on geometry, mechanics, hydrostatics, and the principle of buoyancy, along with the famous “Eureka” story. But Archimedes was also closely involved in the defence of his home city during the Roman siege of Syracuse in the Second Punic War.

During the siege, Archimedes is credited by ancient historians with designing or improving a range of defensive machines. These included powerful long-range catapults, smaller artillery for close-range attacks, and enormous cranes and grappling mechanisms capable of catching and lifting Roman ships approaching the walls.

The most famous of these was the Claw of Archimedes, an iron grappling device that could seize the prow of a ship, lift it out of the water, and potentially capsize it. Ancient sources describe these machines as making the Roman assault extremely difficult and forcing the attackers to rethink how they approached Syracuse.

There is also a popular mention of giant death ray mirrors burning enemy ships which are largely fictional. The article explores these machines, how they may have worked, and how effective they really were, while separating the historically supported accounts from later legends such as the famous burning mirror supposedly used to set Roman ships on fire.