What was the advantage of crossbows?

Crossbows allow bowhunters to hunt sooner, longer and with deadly accuracy. Whether you hunt with a traditional bow, compound bow or a crossbow you need to be close to kill an animal with an arrow.

What was the crossbow used for in medieval times?

The Medieval Crossbow could be used by an untrained soldier to injure or kill a knight in plate armor. The crossbow was therefore viewed as an inhuman weapon which required no skill and had no honor. It was even banned by the Pope. The Crossbow was used throughout Medieval times.

Are crossbows safe?

Crossbows are very safe, but they’re still weapons, and the misuse of a crossbow can have serious consequences. Do not stalk with, transport, or carry a loaded crossbow. Do not allow any part of your hands or fingers inside the bowstring’s release path of a cocked and/or loaded crossbow.

How effective was the medieval crossbow?

As a weapon, the medieval crossbow was regarded with great respect and one of short range deadliness in the hands of almost anyone. As the long bow required extensive training and strength, most users were trained nearly from birth, as it was an excellent choice for longer range targets.

Did the Byzantines use crossbows?

Anna Comnena, daughter of the Byzantium Emperor Alexius Comnenus, writing at about the time of the First Crusade (1096-1099), said of the medieval crossbow, a military tool new to her part of the world, “The crossbow is a weapon of the barbarians [western Europeans], absolutely unknown to the Greeks [ Byzantines ].”

How easy was it to learn to use a crossbow?

As the long bow required extensive training and strength, most users were trained nearly from birth, as it was an excellent choice for longer range targets. The crossbow was easy to learn and given in great numbers to the average soldier as a solution for short range targets.

What is the history of the repeating crossbow?

Its history is found in the fifth century B.C. in China with numerous archaeological digs revealing brass bolts and brass trigger mechanisms and writings as early as fourth century B.C. discussing the use of repeating crossbow mechanisms and descriptions of their use in battle.