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Origins in Antiquity

The origins of the crossbow can be traced back to ancient China and Greece.

As early as 500 B.C., the first mechanical tension bows were developed. The crossbow became particularly widespread in China, where it played a crucial role in military conflicts during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 B.C.). The ability to shoot arrows with precision and immense penetrating power gave soldiers a strategic advantage that far exceeded what a conventional longbow could offer.

The Greeks also had an early version of the crossbow known as the gastraphetes. Unlike a regular bow, this weapon could be used by less-trained soldiers due to its mechanical tensioning mechanism, providing a clear advantage in the often improvised battles of antiquity.

The Crossbow in the Middle Ages

In medieval Europe, roughly from the 10th to the 15th century, the crossbow reached its peak of usage. During this time, it also saw significant technological improvements. Stronger bows and refined tensioning devices allowed for the firing of heavier bolts with greater force. One example is the so-called windlass, a mechanism that made it possible to draw the string with less effort and thus increased the shot’s penetrating power.

However, not everyone viewed the crossbow as a purely military achievement. In 1139, Pope Innocent II prohibited its use against Christians at the Second Lateran Council, considering its devastating impact to be unchristian. This ban had little effect on practice, and crossbowmen remained ubiquitous on the battlefields.

The crossbow’s ability to penetrate armor made it particularly feared. Knights in heavy plate armor suddenly faced a serious adversary. A skilled shooter could inflict damage from a distance without exposing themselves to immediate danger. The big advantage of the crossbow was its relative simplicity. Unlike the longbow, which demanded years of training, a soldier could become skilled with a crossbow after just a few weeks of practice. That’s why it ended up being widely used in armies that relied on recruits with little to no experience.

The Gradual Decline of the Crossbow in the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Period

With the advent of firearms in the late Middle Ages and early modern period, the significance of the crossbow began to wane. In the 15th and 16th centuries, muskets and cannons became increasingly common on the battlefields. These new weapons offered greater range and penetrating power, surpassing the advantages of the crossbow.

The Modern Crossbow

Today, the crossbow is primarily a staple in sports and hunting. With advancements in technology, the materials used have also evolved. Where wood once dominated, materials like carbon and aluminum are now utilized, resulting in lighter and more robust models while the fundamental design (a simple but effective tensioning mechanism) remains unchanged. This allows for precise and powerful shots to continue.

Modern crossbows come in different types, each with its own strengths. Recurve crossbows are the classic version. Thanks to their curved limbs, they store more energy, which results in faster and more powerful shots, while still being easy to handle. Compound crossbows, on the other hand, use a system of cables and pulleys that reduces the effort needed to draw the string, while at the same time allowing for higher draw weights. This makes them extremely powerful and especially suitable for hunting larger animals. Then there’s the pistol crossbow, a compact version that looks more like a small handgun and is mostly used for recreational purposes.

How to Use a Crossbow

Before using your crossbow, it is essential that it is correctly set up and assembled. Ensure that the bow and string are perfectly aligned and that the bolts are properly placed in the rail.

Once the crossbow is ready for use, proper stance and technique are crucial. The crossbow should be firmly pressed against your shoulder to ensure a stable hold. It’s important to securely grip the handle with one hand while supporting the weapon with the other. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart to maintain good balance.

Take your time to ensure the sight is correctly aligned with your target. Squeeze the trigger gently and evenly, avoiding any jerking motions to prevent missing the shot. The entire process requires concentration and a degree of calm to achieve the best hit.

Choosing the right bolt size and type for your crossbow is also important. The bolts should neither be too short nor too long and should be matched to the strength of the crossbow.