The Origin of the Military Mortar: From Kitchen Tools to Siege Weapons

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the military mortar? Did the term 'mortar' for a weapon come from kitchen or building tools as some legends suggest? Let's delve into the fascinating history of this weapon and uncover how it got its name.

1. Did the Military Mortar Get Its Name from Early Mortars?

Yes, the term 'mortar' for a weapon did indeed derive from older tools. People often wonder if the military mortar's name came from early kitchen or building mortars that resembled giant pestles. This is a valid question, and the answer is yes. Early mortars were indeed shaped similarly to the ancient pestles used for grinding and crushing.

2. Early Military Mortar Inventions

The weapon we now know as a military mortar has deep roots. An early example was developed by Baron Menno van Coehoorn in 1701. This weapon was a short-barreled cannon designed to lob balls at high angles and short ranges. Its shape resembled a 'mortier,' the French term for a kitchen mortar. This name stuck, and the weapon became known as a mortar.

3. The True Origin: Mason's Mortar

While the resemblance to kitchen tools suggests a connection, it is more accurate to trace the origin back to the masons and their work with cement mortar. The Latin word mortarium meant an earthen kitchen vessel, and it's from this that the term 'mortar' evolved.

A Latin term for a grinding bowl was “mortarium”. In French, the term became 'mortier', which also referred to a kitchen mortar. When early engineers developed a short-barreled cannon for lobbing projectiles, it looked similar to a ‘mortier’, and thus the name stuck.

4. Legends and Realities

While the name origin is well-established, the exact origin of the weapon itself is less clear. Some legends suggest that early military mortars were used to launch stone balls at castle walls. However, it is seriously doubtful that anyone truly knows the origins of the weapon. What we do know is that the name 'mortar' was derived from the resemblance to kitchen and building tools, and later, masonry construction.

5. Conclusion

The military mortar's name is a reflection of its ancient origins. Whether it came from a kitchen mortar, a mason's mortar, or legend, the term has remained in use for centuries. Understanding the history and evolution of this weapon sheds light not only on military technology but also on the cultural practices that shaped our language.

So, the next time you see or hear about a military mortar, remember its humble beginnings and the cultural exchange that led to its naming.