ita3104 – Leonardo Da Vinci – Multi-Cannon Gunship

Leonardo Da Vinci (born in 1452, died in 1519) was undoubtedly one of the most brilliant people of the Renaissance and is widely regarded as one of the most talented people in history. He was not only an exceptionally talented painter, author of such masterpieces as “The Lady with an Ermine” or “The Last Supper”, but also an extremely prolific inventor and innovator. One of his most interesting inventions, which, however, never materialized, was the design of a round combat ship armed with 16 or 18 guns located on the outskirts of the ship’s “sides”. The propulsion system of the unit was placed centrally and – to some extent – resembled later paddle wheels. This drive allowed the vessel to move independently in low sea conditions. The sketch of this watercraft can be found in the so-called The Atlantic Codex, i.e. the collection of notes by Leonardo da Vinci from 1489-1492. By the way, in that Codex one can also find the image of the Vitruvian Man.