An invention that changed history
The bow and arrow, whose foundations emerged more than 20,000 years ago, are possibly the most influential weapons in human evolution.
Long before the earliest civilizations, humans had already devised an effective system for launching projectiles with precision and power. This technology not only revolutionized hunting but also played a decisive role in warfare, sport, and culture.
The universality of the bow, present in almost all cultures, makes it a symbol of adaptation, evolution and skill.
Origins and presence in museums
The first archaeological remains of arches date back to the Mesolithic, with examples found in Europe, Africa and Asia.
One of the oldest finds comes from Stellmoor (Germany), where fragments of wooden bows dating back more than 8,000 years were found.
Examples of Neolithic bows and flint arrowheads can be seen in the National Museum of Denmark and the British Museum.
In Spain, the National Archaeological Museum preserves prehistoric arrowheads and depictions of archers in Levantine rock art, testimony to the importance of the bow in the Iberian Peninsula since ancient times.
From hunting weapon to instrument of war
For millennia, the bow was an essential tool for survival.
Over time, its use extended to armed conflicts.
The civilizations of Ancient Egypt, Assyria, China, and the Scythian peoples developed sophisticated forms of military archery.
One of the most iconic examples is the composite bow, used by the Hittites, Persians, and Mongols. This type of bow, made of wood, horn, and sinew, offered great power in a shorter format, ideal for use on horseback.
During the European Middle Ages, the English longbow was crucial in battles such as Agincourt (1415). Made of yew, it was capable of piercing armor at great distances and required years of training.
Types of arches throughout history
Longbow
Native to Northern Europe. Long, simple, and powerful.
It was used especially between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Recurve bow
Of Asian and Mediterranean origin. Used in cultures such as Persian, Scythian, and Ottoman.
Its limbs curve outwards, providing more strength in a shorter length.
Compound bow
Uses different materials joined together to improve performance.
Very common in Central Asia. Compact and perfect for equestrian archers.
Equestrian arches
Designed for use on horseback, they are short and recurved. They require technical mastery and speed.
Used by Huns, Mongols and samurai.
Competition arches or RFB (Historical and Battle Reenactment)
Nowadays, arches are adapted to competition, historical reenactments, and sports.
They are manufactured in both traditional and modern materials (fiberglass, carbon).
Tournament archery categories include Olympic recurve, barebow, and compound bow.
Arrows: design and functionality
The arrow is as vital as the bow.
Traditionally made with a wooden shaft, a stone or metal tip, and stabilizing feathers, its design has varied according to the purpose: hunting, war, or sport.
The points could be simple for hunting or sharp and triangular to penetrate armor.
Modern competition arrows are made from aluminum, carbon, or lightweight combinations to achieve amazing speed and accuracy.
Preservation of legacy: museums and recreation
Museums around the world preserve historical arches: the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York exhibits Japanese arches (yumi) and Mongolian arches. The British Museum houses Egyptian and Scythian examples. In Spain, institutions such as the MAN (National Museum of Art) preserve vestiges and graphic representations.
Today, archery is an Olympic discipline, a popular sport, and a historical reenactment.
Archery and medieval recreation associations promote their study and preservation with historical rigor.
Precision and heritage in every shot
The bow and arrow have traveled a millennia. From Paleolithic hunters to Olympic athletes, they have been instruments of precision, strength, and mastery.
In all its forms—whether the sturdy longbow, the agile equestrian bow, or the stylized competition bow—this ancient weapon lives on, adapted to changing times, without losing its historical and symbolic significance.
His legacy lives on, stretching strings in every corner of the world.
Don't miss the collection of bows and crossbows in our Medieval Shop.
