Crossbow
Specifications
- Type
- Ranged Weapon
- Origin
- China
- Era
- c. 6th century BCE
- Notable Users
- Chinese infantry, medieval European crossbowmen, Genoese mercenaries
- Epoch
- Bronze and Iron Ages
History
The crossbow is a mechanically locked bow mounted on a stock, capable of being aimed and fired with minimal training. Chinese bronze crossbow triggers dating to the 6th century BCE demonstrate remarkable precision engineering. In medieval Europe, the crossbow was so devastating — capable of piercing chainmail at 100 meters — that the Second Lateran Council of 1139 attempted to ban its use against Christians. The ban failed completely. Crossbowmen remained a decisive battlefield element until supplanted by firearms in the 16th century.
Significance
The crossbow democratized ranged warfare. Unlike the longbow, which required years of training, a crossbow could turn a peasant into a lethal soldier in weeks. It was the first weapon to seriously threaten the armored knight's dominance.
54 Weapons. Five Epochs. One Poster.
The Crossbow is one of 8 weapons from the Bronze and Iron Ages featured on the poster.
Get the Poster