Crossbow: Ancient to Modern

The crossbow shoots bolts using a horizontal bow assembly.

A crossbow has a bow called a prod mounted on a stock.

Crossbow bolts are shorter and heavier than traditional arrows.

Crossbows hold the drawn string using a trigger and lock mechanism.

The Chinese invented crossbows in the first millennium BCE.

European crossbows used rolling nuts to hold the string in place.

Steel prods became common in Europe around the 14th century.

Crossbows allow aiming time by holding a cocked string with a trigger.

Spanning heavy crossbows needs devices like windlasses or cranequins.

Some small crossbows are pistol-sized and shot from under the arm.

Crossbow bolts can pierce mail armor due to their heavy weight.

Modern crossbows use scopes and silencers for better shooting experience.

Ancient Chinese crossbow triggers were cast bronze mechanisms with three parts.

Crossbows remain popular today for hunting and competitive shooting.