Crossbow
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A crossbow is a ranged weapon using an elastic launching device consisting of a bow-like assembly called a prod, mounted horizontally on a main frame called a tiller, which is hand-held in a similar f
A typical crossbow
Qin and Western Han dynasty crossbow trigger pieces.
16th century crossbow nut excavated at Harburger Schloßstraße, Hamburg-Harburg, Germany
Battle scene depicting a man spanning a crossbow using a winch mechanism, possibly mounted on a frame, Han dynasty
History of crossbows
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It is not clear when the crossbow was invented, but it is believed to have appeared in China first by 7th century BC and Greece around the 5th or 4th century BC.
Crossbow, Qin dynasty
Han dynasty crossbow (2nd century BC). Guimet Museum, Paris.
Illustration of a Ming volley fire formation using crossbows. From Cheng Zongyou 程宗猷, Jue zhang xin fa 蹶張心法 ca. 1621.