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 crossbow trigger pieces
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.
Qin dynasty
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The Qin dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China. It is named for its progenitor state of Qin, a fief of the confederal Zhou dynasty. Beginning in 230 BC, the Qin under King Ying Zheng engaged
Stone slab bearing an inscription stating that it is an auspicious moment for Qin Shi Huang to ascend to the throne, that the country is united, and that no one will be dying on the roads.
Rubbing of a Han-era stone relief depicting the 227 BC assassination attempt on the future Qin Shi Huang (right) by Jing Ke (left). Jing is held by a court physician (background), as a soldier (far right) rushes to save the emperor, who holds an imperial jade disc. Jing's dagger (centre) has become stuck in a pillar.
Layout of the palace's surroundings
Excavation of the western platform