What is genoese crossbow?

The Genoese crossbow is a type of crossbow that originated in the Italian city-state of Genoa in the 12th century. It was a powerful and accurate weapon that was highly regarded in Europe during the Middle Ages. The crossbow had a steel bow which was mounted on a wooden frame, and it was triggered by a mechanism that allowed the user to load and fire the weapon quickly and easily. The Genoese crossbow was particularly effective in siege warfare, as it could pierce armor and break down castle walls from a safe distance. However, the weapon required extensive maintenance and training, and was expensive to produce, making it only available to wealthy and powerful individuals. Despite its high cost, the Genoese crossbow remained in use throughout Europe until the 16th century.