👉 The Christopher Weapon, also known as the "Christopher's Crossbow," is a unique and historically significant firearm invented by Christopher Columbus's son, Diego Columbus, in the late 15th century. Unlike traditional firearms of its time, it was a bolt-action musket that fired cannonballs rather than gunpowder. The weapon's distinctive feature was its use of a crossbow-like mechanism to load and fire these heavy, iron cannonballs, which were propelled by a long, solid bolt. This design allowed for greater accuracy and penetration compared to contemporary hand cannons, making it a formidable weapon in naval engagements. Although not widely adopted, the Christopher Weapon showcased innovative engineering and played a role in the evolution of early modern weaponry.
