Crossbows - the History and Technology

Let us first of all think of the definition of a crossbow. A crossbow comprises a bow fixed on a stock used for shooting projectiles resembling arrows. A special mechanism in the stock is responsible for holding the bow in the fully-drawn position until the marksman shoots by releasing a trigger.

Crossbows were widely used during military operations in Europe in the Middle Ages, and marked the whole history of China.

It is generally considered that the first crossbows were invented in China, around the 6th century B.C. There is even some archeological evidence that proves that the crossbow might have been developed as early as 2000 BC. According to other sources the crossbow originated from East Asia, but not in China in particular.

There is a special name to refer to arrow-resembling projectiles of a crossbow - they are called bolts. The bolts are significantly shorter than arrows but weigh much more. Their optimum weight allows achieving the highest kinetic energy. It may vary in accordance to the strength and other attributes of the crossbow. Nowadays bolts feature a proof mark to indicate their compatible weight. While arrows usually have three fletches, bolts have two fletches necessary to accommodate the groove that the bolt lies in. It is possible to supply crossbow bolts with different heads, but most commonly a four-sided point - a quarrel - is used.

In the past there were the types of crossbows used for firing stones or lead bullets. The first crossbow shooters were mainly involved in hunting wildfowl. Their crossbows were fitted with a double string and there was a pouch between the strings necessary for holding the projectile.
The gear holding the drawn bow-string, known as a nut, was often produced out of bone, ivory or metal, and the trigger mechanism was made out of metal. Bronze triggers comprising safety notches were used on crossbows in China since at least 200 B.C. Complex mechanisms of iron triggers appeared in Europe around the early years of the 15th century. It is interesting to mention that Leonardo da Vinci developed designs of numerous trigger mechanisms for crossbows, having produced a so-called hair trigger mechanism that required just very little finger strength.

The prod was usually tied to the stock with a rope, or other reliable cording, called the bridle of the crossbow. A bridle often loosens as time passes by, so it is better to re-bind it carefully.
For a crossbow it is better to choose strings produced out of strong fibers that would not ravel out easily. The usage of whipcord was quite widely spread as well as such materials as linen or hemp. In wet climate, twisted mulberry root was sometimes applied.

The place of crossbows was finally taken in warfare by gunpowder weapons. However, initially the first guns were characterized by slower rates of fire and not such a perfect accuracy as that reached with the crossbows.

At present time crossbows are used mainly to practice target shooting and sport hunting. To be able to go hunting with a crossbow, a person generally is required to receive a special license. Crossbows are also used by a number of special services as, for example, a noiseless means to throw ropes, or install eavesdropping devices.