Medieval crossbows were weapons used during the Middle Ages which used bows mounted on wooden stocks made from yew, ash, hazel or elm that shoot projectiles called bolts. These crossbows were generally coated with glue or varnish and the bow itself was made of wood, iron or steel and had a span of 2 to 3 feet. The string used on the medieval crossbows was made from hemp which was the strongest and least elastic fiber during this time. This was soaked in glue for moisture protection and was pulled back by using levers or winding cranks on ratchets.
Medieval crossbows were deadly and effective weapons due to the crossbow bolts which were short but with deadly points. These can be shot with a range of 350 to 400 yards but only at a rate of 2 bolts per minute. The medieval crossbows were a weapon of choice during the middle ages because they were easy to use and require minimal training and strength to operate.
The origin of medieval crossbows can be traced back to Ancient China in 600 BC where warriors use this as one of their weapons. Ancient Greeks and Romans were also known to use the crossbows during battles. However, it was William the Conqueror and the Normans who introduced the medieval crossbows to England in 1066. These weapons were mostly used by foot soldiers who even when untrained can injure or kill a knight in full armor.
Subsequently, the medieval crossbows were considered inhuman weapons and were even banned by the Pope of this era. With all the attempts to ban crossbows from being used in battles, they remained to be a favored weapon until the end of the 15th century.
Even though the medieval crossbows were considered to be war weapons, they also became popular as a sport. They were used for target shooting and hunting and even nowadays, crossbows are used for the same sport and activity.
Interested in more Medieval weapons, armor, and clothing? Drop by realmcollections.com for more replicas and other memorabilia.