Following The History Of The Crossbow

By Author: Julia Bennet
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One of the most interesting weapons in the olden times is the crossbow. That is because it lends an "automatic" feel in shooting compared to the more traditional bow and arrow. It is fun to use, but it is also fun to know more about the history behind such a nifty hunting invention.

Basically, a crossbow is the same as the bow and arrow system stylized in that manner but with a few but very obvious modifications. The bow is resting sideways onto a frame which looks like a cross, and it has limbs that one can pull back using a trigger. Because crossbows have a rifle-inspired design, it is easy for the shooter to aim his short arrows. Many people back then liked crossbows better than the traditional bow and arrow because of the extreme accuracy that comes with every time it is fired. Furthermore, a crossbow can stay in its loaded position for a much longer time than a bow and arrow.

Imagine running and hunting while using both hands to hold a bow and arrow in place. Over time, your arm will feel weak. The same cannot be said about crossbows. You can take it around wherever you want and you can even make it fire ...
... extremely long distances. Most will say that the crossbow has a maximum range of around three hundred and eighty yards. This is also the perfect weapon for hunters who are not agile enough to pull back and aim their bows accurately. If you have not known it yet, this nifty invention traces its roots back to ancient China, specifically in the 600 BC.

During the 600 BC, there were also reports that there were some remnants of the crossbow coming from the previous century also in China. It was mainly a war weapon used by the ancient Chinese as warfare was plentiful and often back them. At one time - specifically the reign of the Qin Shi Huang the Chinese Emperor, it was both a toy and a weapon. Back in the Han Dynasty this bow became the primary weapon used in battle. China was not the only civilization to use the crossbow, for it was also very much present in the culture of the Middle Ages. It was said that it was brought to England in the year 1066 by William the Conqueror.

At that time, the bow used in crossbows was made from a wooden stick which was coated with garnish or glue. The bow measured two to three feet and some variations included steel and iron. Its strings were constructed out of hemp then soaked in glue so that it will be protected against moisture. To pull back the string, you will have to draw back the level or wind the crank. One thing that makes crossbows very likeable for a lot of people back then was the fact that you do not need to have archer skills in order to wield it. It was also then seen as a weapon that was on the "inhumane" side and is rarely seen or used nowadays because of technology.

A crossbow is a very interesting war weapon. One should get to know the history of crossbows in order to fully appreciate it.