Archery Warrior
How far can the arrow go when fired with an ancient bow?
i want to know what is the average distance that an ancient arrow can travel if fired using an ancient bow by an average muscle man? ( if i say ancient means the bow and arrows that were used during the time of great great kings). i am asking this question because history says that lot of the kings and warriors used bow and arrow as their primary weapon. so just wondering how far they can shoot.
also explain me what material did they used to manufacture bow and arrow during that time
please do not explain me the maths about latest hi-tech archery.
Everything I read on the subject tends to agree on 200-250 yards as the highest effective range of ancient war bows: these would usually be composite bows made from horn and/or wood and sinew (Tutankhamun was buried with a collection of fifty or so bows, which seem to be the best examples around, although by no means an exhaustive selection of ancient near eastern bow types and styles).
Arrows would be made either from types of wood that grew straight branches, or from reeds. Reeds were very popular in the ancient near east, but seem to have been used more by tribal peoples than by civilised powers, probably because wood is a stronger material.
Piercing power and accuracy rather than distance seem to have been prized in the ancient world: the description of Amenhotep II's archery quoted here emphasises aim and force:
http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/weapons/missiles.htm
The page also has a few notes on materials, as does this one:
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/b/bow_and_arrow.html
The use of massed archery in the ancient period implies that effectiveness was prized over range. While the Ottoman Empire's (1453-1921) Society of Archers had as an entry requirement the ability to shoot an arrow 630 yards (with a strong bow, a light arrow and a following wind), on the ancient battlefield the engagement ranges would have most probably been in the order of the popularly-stated 200-250 yards. Beyond this distance, an arrow of sufficient weight to do damage at the end of its journey would not carry with any accuracy. In terms of absolute distance, your guess is probably as good as mine, and I would guess 360-400 yards as an absolute maximum.
Individual expert marksmen (like many Indian princes in the Mahabharat) might be able to hit targets at greater ranges, but accuracy and impact for anyone less than a legendary archer would suffer greatly at these distances.
A look at what is currently available on eBay
 |
No items matching your keywords were found.
And a selection of products from Amazon
 |
Poster Print of Artwork showing Minamoto, Tametomo, a giant warrior with great archery skills, here is shown using his considerable strength to overpower several warriors on a dock on a river Sale Price: $20.00  |
|
High quality reproduction of work of fine art from the Japanese Prints and Drawing Collection of the Library of Congress, 1688-1915. Primarily woodcuts depicting actors, women, landscapes, scenes from Japanese literature and daily life, English and European visitors... |
 |
Poster Print of Artwork showing the warrior Minamoto no Tametomo holding his bow, while a man or ogre is attempting to draw the string Sale Price: $20.00 |
|
High quality reproduction of work of fine art from the Japanese Prints and Drawing Collection of the Library of Congress, 1688-1915. Primarily woodcuts depicting actors, women, landscapes, scenes from Japanese literature and daily life, English and European visitors... |
 |
Poster Print of Artwork showing the warrior Sasaki no Takatsuna on horseback just offshore shooting an arrow during the Battle of the Uji River Sale Price: $20.00 |
|
High quality reproduction of work of fine art from the Japanese Prints and Drawing Collection of the Library of Congress, 1688-1915. Primarily woodcuts depicting actors, women, landscapes, scenes from Japanese literature and daily life, English and European visitors... |
 |
Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves (Snap Case) Sale Price: $10.31 Average Rating:  |
|
A reworking of the legend with a stand-out performance by Alan Rickman as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Academy Award Nominations: Best Song ("(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams and John Lange). |
 |
Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves (Two-Disc Special Extended Edition) Sale Price: $11.98 Average Rating: |
|
Robin fights for the good of all men and the love of one woman, battling the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.Item Type: DVD MovieItem Rating: PG13Street Date: 04/05/05Wide Screen: yesDirector Cut: noSpecial Edition: noLanguage: ENGLISHForeign Film: noSubtitles: noDubbed: noFull Frame: noRe-Release: noPackaging: Sleeve |
 |
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Keepcase) Sale Price: $11.12 Average Rating: |
|
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 02/02/2010 Rating: Pg13 |
 |
Decorated Mouse Pad with Greece, archery, Europe, slingshot, bow, warrior, soldier Sale Price: $9.95 |
|
Professional "Brite White" fabric mouse pads are among the most versatile and durable, providing brilliant graphic reproduction for spot color or full color imprints. This durable polyester surface is above industry standards and provides a superior product value overall... |
 |
Decorated Mouse Pad with "black and white", Greece, archery, Europe, slingshot, bow, warrior, soldier Sale Price: $9.95 |
|
Professional "Brite White" fabric mouse pads are among the most versatile and durable, providing brilliant graphic reproduction for spot color or full color imprints. This durable polyester surface is above industry standards and provides a superior product value overall... |
 |
Decorated Mouse Pad with Turkey, archery, bow, arrow, "Middle East", warrior, battle, soldier Sale Price: $9.95 |
|
Professional "Brite White" fabric mouse pads are among the most versatile and durable, providing brilliant graphic reproduction for spot color or full color imprints. This durable polyester surface is above industry standards and provides a superior product value overall... |
Related posts: