Yhdistelmäjousi Euraasian sotahistoriassa

osa 2. suorituskyky ja merkitys sodankäynnissä

Authors

• Juho Wilskman

Abstract

Composite bow in the Eurasian military history – Part 2: Performance and use in warfare

The composite bow was one of the most used and the most efficient weapons before the 19th century. The first part of this article was published in Tekniikan Waiheita 4/2006, and it dealt with its invention and construction. This part concentrates on its performance, geographical diffusion, and use in war.
The composite bow apparently spread along with the diffusion of chariots. This can be seen the most clearly in Egypt. The first signs of cavalrymen can be seen only in the 14th century BCE, and evidence of actual cavalry appears from the mid-9th century BCE. Even the earliest images depict cavalrymen with bows. The Romans did not feel comfortable with bows, and so the majority of Roman archers came from the eastern Mediterranean.
The generalization of firearms led to the composite bow becoming obsolete. By the middle of the 19th century, firearms had become superior to composite bows. The military use of the composite bow seems to have continued for the longest time in China, where there is some record from the beginning of the 20th century.