What is the Latin term for a battering ram used in sieges?

The Latin term for a battering ram used in sieges is "Aries." In ancient warfare, an aries was specifically designed to break down the walls of fortifications. It typically consisted of a heavy wooden beam that was often reinforced with metal and suspended from a frame, allowing soldiers to swing it against gates or walls.

In contrast, while tormentum refers to a type of siege engine used to hurl projectiles at fortifications, it is distinct from a battering ram's primary function. Catapulta denotes a similar siege engine used for launching arrows or stones, thus serving a projectile function rather than breaching walls. Pontis, meaning "bridge," refers to a structure used to cross obstacles rather than an offensive tool like the aries. Each of these terms represents different aspects of siege warfare, but none fulfills the specific role of a battering ram as accurately as aries does.