Leonardo da Vinci designed a scythed chariot to cut through enemy soldiers and horses.
His version was a wheeled military vehicle fitted with long blades extending outward from its sides. The blades were intended to rotate as the chariot moved, creating a dangerous sweeping action against troops and cavalry.
Leonardo’s design belongs to the broader tradition of ancient scythed chariots, which were used or described by several armies before his time. His notebook drawings reimagined that weapon with a more elaborate mechanical arrangement and multiple rotating blades.
The design was never known to have been built or used in battle. It is also separate from Leonardo’s armored vehicle, commonly called his tank. The scythed chariot emphasizes cutting blades and movement, whereas the armored vehicle emphasizes protection and mounted weapons.