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Bows And Arrows: Native American, Medieval, And History
By:
Published: September 18, 2007
According to history books, bows and arrows are believed to have already existed during prehistoric times, specifically during the Paleolithic era when the weapon evolved in three different continents, namely, Europe, Asia and Africa. Consisting principally of two basic parts, namely, the bow and the arrow, this particular weapon allowed primitive man to become highly efficient in hunting, his main source of food during that time.
Back then, the bow consisted mainly of a long strip of a highly flexible material, often wood, and had a tense cord that linked its two ends to the strip. The arrow, meanwhile, was typically a sharp pointed stick usually designed with a set of colored feathers placed in one end. The pointed ends, commonly known as arrowheads, were originally made from burnt wood before gradually being replaced by stones and bones. Later on, the arrowheads soon adopted metals to form the tip. These were often held in arrow cases. Arrow cases were used for protective and transporting purposes.
Hunting was definitely among the original reasons why man invented bows and arrows. However, it was soon found out bows and arrows can also become highly effective and powerful weapons both for attack and defensive purposes. For example, the Parthians, a little-known clan in Central Asia, were famous for being able to shoot their enemies with bows and arrows with their backs against them while riding atop their horses. Meanwhile, the Hittites also became known for using bows and arrows while riding inside their chariots.
During the period of colonization and exploration, particularly those of the English and of the Americans, bows and arrows were also used by most Native Americans to defend themselves. Although as a Native American weapon, bows and arrows were eventually replaced by more modern guns. Nevertheless, bows and arrows became hopelessly connected to the traditional Native American way of life.
As an invention already rich in history, bows and arrows somehow never stopped undergoing various changes. From being a mere hunting accessory, it evolved into a major weapon of war. This was particularly true after new innovations were developed, such as the composite bow and the crossbow. Like their predecessors, these new versions were placed inside specially-made bow cases for easier handling. Bow cases were especially useful during the time when man was engaged in war and was virtually on the run everyday.
Particularly noteworthy was the crossbow, a variant of the weapon initially developed during Roman times, but became a widely-used tool of war in Europe during the Medieval period. Set upon a stock, the crossbow became a trend-setting weapon when it was first introduced. It was capable of firing not only arrows, but also darts, stones and even boulders. This was essentially done through its trigger feature and a few other mechanical parts.
For those living during the Medieval times, the crossbow proved to be most powerful. It also proved to be quite difficult to handle, largely due to its weight. As such, the use of bows and arrows gradually declined as the Medieval period drew to a close, with most of its users eventually developing a preference for the then recently-invented long bow.
Nevertheless, even after gunpowder was invented, bows and arrows still remained in great use in many warfare situations, owing to its capability of producing rapid fire. This was unlike the early models of the gun which required time for reloading and were not yet manufactured on a massive scale. Bows and arrows have a large historic presence in civilization, and continue to be used and collected today.
Sources:
Daniels, Rob. "What is a Cross Bow." Archery Target. 18 Sept. 2007. http://www.archery-target.com/what-is-a-crossbow.h tm.
Bellis, Mary. "The History of Bows and Arrows." About, Inc. 18 Sept. 2007. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbow arrow.htm.
Bellis, Mary. "Native American Inventions." About, Inc. 18 Sept. 2007. http://inventors.about.com/od/famousinventions/a/N ative_American.htm.
"Bow and Arrow." The Columbia Encyclopedia. Sixth Edition. 2001-2005. http://www.bartleby.com/65/bo/bowNarro.html.
Back then, the bow consisted mainly of a long strip of a highly flexible material, often wood, and had a tense cord that linked its two ends to the strip. The arrow, meanwhile, was typically a sharp pointed stick usually designed with a set of colored feathers placed in one end. The pointed ends, commonly known as arrowheads, were originally made from burnt wood before gradually being replaced by stones and bones. Later on, the arrowheads soon adopted metals to form the tip. These were often held in arrow cases. Arrow cases were used for protective and transporting purposes.
Hunting was definitely among the original reasons why man invented bows and arrows. However, it was soon found out bows and arrows can also become highly effective and powerful weapons both for attack and defensive purposes. For example, the Parthians, a little-known clan in Central Asia, were famous for being able to shoot their enemies with bows and arrows with their backs against them while riding atop their horses. Meanwhile, the Hittites also became known for using bows and arrows while riding inside their chariots.
During the period of colonization and exploration, particularly those of the English and of the Americans, bows and arrows were also used by most Native Americans to defend themselves. Although as a Native American weapon, bows and arrows were eventually replaced by more modern guns. Nevertheless, bows and arrows became hopelessly connected to the traditional Native American way of life.
As an invention already rich in history, bows and arrows somehow never stopped undergoing various changes. From being a mere hunting accessory, it evolved into a major weapon of war. This was particularly true after new innovations were developed, such as the composite bow and the crossbow. Like their predecessors, these new versions were placed inside specially-made bow cases for easier handling. Bow cases were especially useful during the time when man was engaged in war and was virtually on the run everyday.
Particularly noteworthy was the crossbow, a variant of the weapon initially developed during Roman times, but became a widely-used tool of war in Europe during the Medieval period. Set upon a stock, the crossbow became a trend-setting weapon when it was first introduced. It was capable of firing not only arrows, but also darts, stones and even boulders. This was essentially done through its trigger feature and a few other mechanical parts.
For those living during the Medieval times, the crossbow proved to be most powerful. It also proved to be quite difficult to handle, largely due to its weight. As such, the use of bows and arrows gradually declined as the Medieval period drew to a close, with most of its users eventually developing a preference for the then recently-invented long bow.
Nevertheless, even after gunpowder was invented, bows and arrows still remained in great use in many warfare situations, owing to its capability of producing rapid fire. This was unlike the early models of the gun which required time for reloading and were not yet manufactured on a massive scale. Bows and arrows have a large historic presence in civilization, and continue to be used and collected today.
Sources:
Daniels, Rob. "What is a Cross Bow." Archery Target. 18 Sept. 2007. http://www.archery-target.com/what-is-a-crossbow.h tm.
Bellis, Mary. "The History of Bows and Arrows." About, Inc. 18 Sept. 2007. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbow arrow.htm.
Bellis, Mary. "Native American Inventions." About, Inc. 18 Sept. 2007. http://inventors.about.com/od/famousinventions/a/N ative_American.htm.
"Bow and Arrow." The Columbia Encyclopedia. Sixth Edition. 2001-2005. http://www.bartleby.com/65/bo/bowNarro.html.
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