Mobile ram boats

These two boats recall those roman vessels which had rams to hook enemy ships for close distance battling. The large scorpion-tale shaped scythe is very dangerous. Thanks to a rotating base, it can be easily placed above the target. The lifting mechanism is operated by a crank and gears. The rowers are protected by tall shields called mantelets and by animal skins sheltering them from enemy fire falling from above.
Manuscript B, sheet 90 v. - Codex Ashburnham 2037, sheet 8 v. 1487-1492