History Of Archery

The history of archery began many years ago. Some believe they started in Africa prior to 50,000 BC when the first stone arrowheads were discovered. They were used with a short bow and considered an improvement over the throwing of spears. With much practice, they learned how to sharpen them with fire. Around 20,000 BC, they began sharpening flint arrowheads so they came to a point and tie them with sinew on the front of the arrow. After gluing feathers to the arrow shafts with sinew, their arrows were ready for use. Some researchers believe there is a shot history of archery, where others feel it goes back many centuries and consists of many changes.

Some believe the history of archery bows began in the late Paleolithic period, where the arrows there were made of pine and consisted of the main shaft being 6-8 inches long with a flint point. Some archery history facts found the first bows in Denmark in the 1940s. They were made of elm with flat arms with the middle part being shaped like the letter "D". They were tillered with the same amount of bend on the top as the bottom.

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The history of archery can also be traced back to the Egyptian times where there were nine bows each representing the different people that had been over ruled by the pharaoh since Egypt became united. It is perhaps during this same time that the history of medieval archery got its beginning. It is definitely when the history of archers began, with archery being their main source of defense. The bow was one of the first types of weapons and artillery used for battle. The atlatl was used for shooting artillery prior to the development of the bow. The bow then replaced the atlatl because it was proven more accurate and effective.

Archery history can be told in many ways depending on the country or time.
Archery history and facts show that the bow and arrow that we now use mostly for pleasure had an important role in the history of many countries. When the Egyptians developed the composite bow, it was made of wood and held to an animal horn by animal sinew and glue. Having a C shape, it required two people to string the bowstrings, which were made from catgut (from sheep's intestines). The arrows were light, but very powerful in killing the enemies, especially at night from the back of the chariots.

There have been many famous archers in history, however, when most of us think of archery, we still think of the famous greats like Robin Hood and William Tell.