Okay 1502 AD is technically the 16th Century, but the engineering was already in existence.
VERY cool – You can build it on the spot if there’s available timber, no connectors required, and you can knock it down and take it with you once your army has crossed the stream, arroyo, ravine or ditch. Here’s one in use (with planks installed):
This kid constructed one without notches or connectors, using friction and compression only.
[Top image from Da Vinci. 2nd image from here, video from here, links found in here.]
Tacky Raccoons 
how cool –
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ksbeth– And more fun than Lincoln Logs.
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Saw a long documentary on this style of bridge in use in China for many centuries. They construct them permanently with covers and elaborate roofs.
The more weight on it, the more stable it is.
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Mark, gimme a link. I love this stuff.
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