What are gatling guns?

Gatling guns are early rapid-fire firearms invented in the 1860s by Dr. Richard Gatling. They operate using multiple barrels that rotate around a central axis, allowing for a higher rate of fire compared to single-barrel guns. The design relies on hand-cranking to rotate the barrels and load cartridges, making it a precursor to modern machine guns. Gatling guns were used in various conflicts, particularly during the American Civil War and the late 19th century.