The bores of the pieces were first made in a conical shape, and it was not until a much later period that the cylindrical form was introduced.
In the wars between the Spaniards and Moors in the latter part of the fifteenth century, very great use was made of artillery in sieges and battles.

Ferdinand the Catholic had at this time, probably, a larger artillery train than any other European power.

The Spanish cannon, generally very large, were composed of iron bars about two inches in breadth, held together by bolts and rings of the same metal.

The pieces were firmly attached to their carriages, and incapable of either horizontal or vertical movement.

The balls thrown by them were usually of marble, though sometimes of iron.