8 weapons cataloged
Killing from a distance changed warfare more than any single invention except gunpowder itself. The first ranged weapons were simple thrown objects. But each step in their evolution, from the atlatl's leverage to the composite bow's laminated energy storage to the crossbow's mechanical lock, multiplied the range and lethality available to a single person. By the time English longbowmen shattered French cavalry at Agincourt, the principle was established: you don't need to be brave or strong if you can shoot accurately from 250 meters away.
A deceptively simple weapon: two cords attached to a pouch, whirled overhead to hurl a stone or lead bullet at lethal velocity. A trained slinger could launch a projectile at speeds exceeding 100 mph, with an effective range surpassing that of most e...
The atlatl is a lever-based spear-throwing device that effectively extends the length of the thrower's arm, dramatically increasing the velocity and range of a dart or light spear. A skilled user can launch a projectile at over 90 mph — fast enough t...
The composite bow is a marvel of ancient engineering. Constructed from layers of wood, horn, and sinew laminated together with animal glue, it stores far more energy per unit of length than a simple wooden bow. This compact power made it ideal for mo...
The yumi is the traditional Japanese longbow, distinctive for its extreme asymmetry — the grip sits roughly one-third from the bottom. Standing over two meters tall, it is among the largest bows ever used in warfare. The asymmetric design allows it t...
The gastraphetes, or ‘belly bow,’ was a large crossbow cocked by bracing the stock against the stomach and pushing down with the body’s weight. It was the first known mechanical hand-held projectile weapon — a decisive step beyond the simple bow. Des...
The crossbow is a mechanically locked bow mounted on a stock, capable of being aimed and fired with minimal training. Chinese bronze crossbow triggers dating to the 6th century BCE demonstrate remarkable precision engineering. In medieval Europe, the...
The English longbow is a simple self-bow of yew, typically 1.8–2 meters long, with draw weights of 100–180 pounds. In the hands of trained archers, it could loose 10–12 arrows per minute at ranges exceeding 250 meters. The longbow dominated English w...
The Zhuge Nu, or repeating crossbow, is a remarkable feat of ancient mechanical engineering. Using a lever-operated mechanism, it can span the bow, place a bolt, and fire in a single motion, achieving a rate of fire of roughly 10 bolts in 15 seconds....
54 Weapons. Five Epochs. One Poster.
All 8 ranged weapons are featured on the poster.
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