Still used today for sport and hunting purposes, the crossbow is one of the oldest firearms on the planet. While today’s models are recognized for their precise design and innovative materials, older iterations showcase interesting shifts in firearm design that have long impacted the ongoing development of ballistics. To highlight just how much the crossbow has evolved, here’s a brief look at its unique history.

Early China

Handheld crossbows appeared in Chinese texts beginning around the 6th and 5th centuries BC. These devices featured the characteristic bowstring trigger release but were typically crafted from bronze and used bronze bolts for ammunition.

Han Dynasty Improvements

The Han Dynasty military used the crossbow in large numbers and refined their design to allow for mass production. Trigger mechanisms were installed in the bronze casing to improve the bowstring tension. Scale tables were also introduced to help users take more precise shots.

Greco-Roman

Ancient Greek cultures began using crossbows at about the same time as the Chinese. However, these versions were slightly larger, heavier, and more simplistic in design. To use an Ancient Greek crossbow, soldiers would have to prop the weapon up to maintain a stable firing capability.

Siege Machines

Siege machines showcased a unique development of crossbow technology by enlarging the concept. Similar to a catapult, these massive weapons would require several soldiers to launch heavy projectiles.

Roman Caroballista

Romans are noted for introducing the caroballista—a sizeable mechanical crossbow that was mounted on horse-drawn carts.

Middle Ages

Throughout the early Middle Ages, most hunters and soldiers in Europe preferred the longbow over the crossbow. But while the longbow delivered better performance, proper training would be time-consuming. The crossbow, on the other hand, could be mastered in a week of lessons. This ease of introduced prompted a resurgence of the weapon around the 12th century.

Roman Catholic Ban

The accessibility of the crossbow presented a risk that lower-class peasants could easily kill higher-class individuals—such as knights. This led Pope Urban II of the Roman Catholic Church to place a ban on the weapon that lasted until about the 13th century.

If you want to discover how the crossbows of the past have advanced, look no further than M & M Archery Range and Pro Shop. Serving Florence, KY, and surrounding regions, this archery pro shop stocks an impressive selection of crossbows produced by the country’s top manufacturers. If you’re new to using the firearm, this range offers a variety of archery training classes that can help you master the proper technique. Experienced archers can also turn to this retailer for comprehensive bow tuning and maintenance services—such as limb and string replacement. Visit this family-owned shop online or call (859) 282-6333 to learn more about their archery supplies and services.