Online:
Visits:
Stories:
Profile image
By Ancient Origins
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views

Now:
Last Hour:
Last 24 Hours:
Total:

Not a Shot in the Dark: How Crossbows Changed War in Ancient China

Monday, March 21, 2016 6:57
% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

(Before It's News)

Part of a Naval Battle Scroll from the Imjin War.

The crossbow is a missile weapon that had a major impact on the way battles were fought in the ancient world. Prior to the widespread use of crossbows, it was the bow and arrow that was the projectile weapon of choice. To use this weapon efficiently, however, it was necessary for archers to have a considerable amount of training as well as physical strength.

By contrast, it takes a relatively lesser amount of skill and physical strength to operate a crossbow. Moreover, it could be made cheaply. Thus, conscripted soldiers (who may not have had training with the bow and arrow) could be armed with crossbows to shower projectiles on the enemy. 

Tracing the Origins of Crossbows

The crossbow may have been first invented in ancient China. Some historians believe the Chinese had even already invented the first crude crossbows as early as 2,000 BC. This is based on certain bone, stone and shell artifacts that have been interpreted as crossbow triggers. More conclusive evidence of ancient Chinese crossbows, however, comes from around the 6th century BC, if not earlier.

Portrait of the Imperial Bodyguard Zhanyinbao, carrying his archery equipment and wearing a sheathed dao.

Portrait of the Imperial Bodyguard Zhanyinbao, carrying his archery equipment and wearing a sheathed dao. (Public Domain)

www.Ancient-Origins.net – Reconstructing the story of humanity’s past



Source: http://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/not-shot-dark-how-crossbows-changed-war-ancient-china-005568

Report abuse

Comments

Your Comments
Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

Top Stories
Recent Stories

Register

Newsletter

Email this story
Email this story

If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.