Use of the Mangonel can date as far back as 475 BC in China, but was also seen used slightly later by the Romans. Using heavy torsion, the mangonel is able to launch rocks across a large distance, kicking forth as it swung; giving it the Greek nickname, "Wild Donkey". The Mangonel would be surpassed in the fourth century AD by the Onager, another form of torsion powered catapult.