Bow and arrow are some of the most influential inventions in history. It changed the way we hunt and feed but it also changed the way we wage wars and with that face of the Earth. Here you can read more about archery history and origin.
Bow and arrow are one of the oldest tools of hunt and war. They were known to almost all civilizations since before the written history and are still in use today although not in such extent. Read about history of bow and arrow.
Mounted archers were once the most efficient part of the army. Many civilizations owed to them their successful conquests. Since firearms replaced bow and arrow they no longer fight but they participate in an attractive sport. Read about mounted archery.
During the long history of China, archery held a very important place in the life of its citizens. It was one of the Six Noble Arts and a method of choosing officers in the army, a method of hunting and an art itself. Read more about history of Chinese archery.
Japanese archery is an old tradition which is perfected for centuries. It appeared as the military class took the power over the country and it lasted until firearms appeared and became more effective.
Crossbow is a younger sibling of a bow and arrow. It is easier to use and more precise with less effort but slower. That is why it replaced bow and arrow in battlefields until it was itself replaced with firearms.
Composite bow, although a bow if a pretty complex design, is old weapon and many civilizations knew about it and used it above others. It can be made to be much smaller and stronger but it could last for a shorter time if exposed to humidity.
Compound bow is one of the most modern designs of a bow. It uses more complex physics to give more power to the arrow and allows an archer to hold the arrow in full draw without too much strength.