Hobbies And Interests
History
The cross bow got its origins in Ancient China; around 600BC. Though cultivated in China during this time, both the Ancient Greeks and Romans also used the cross bow. During Medieval times, the cross bow was first exhibited in England by William the Conqueror in 1066. The cross bow makers of the time, called Artillators, applied engineering to the short bow. The bolt of the cross bow was short and deadly.
Function
The cross bow was used by an untrained soldier and was extremely affective in injuring knights in plated armor. This was due to its far range capabilities and fast speed; going 350 to 400 yards in length, with a rate of two bolts per minute. The cross bow windlass was a medieval mechanism using a hook and a crank, and sometimes utilized a pulley system.
Significance
Bows made during this time would sling steel and highly penetrating points that were able to seer past plated armor. It was also regarded as a peasant's weapon, due to the fact that an untrained soldier or "man without honor" could become skilled in using one, and it was regarded as an inhuman weapon.
Time Frame
During this time, the cross bow was banned by the Pope for inhumane reasons. The cross bow was used consistently throughout the Middle Ages, by both peasants and soldiers, for it was a durable and easy to use, requiring minimal training. Sick soldiers, even children could use a cross bow, for it required less upper body strength. The cross bow's string pull and mechanical method of "drawing" the string provided tension to the bow with less exertion and muscle power needed. Richard the Lionheart's army used the cross bow as the weapon of choice, for soldiers tired less easily using cross bows in battle.
Effects
Famous people died as the result of cross bow infliction. King Richard died from gangrene after being shot by a cross bow bolt from Chalus-Charbrol in nearby Limousin, France on March 26, 1199. The cross bow became such a powerful weapon at this time, there was an actual clause in the Magna Carta in 1215 seeking to banish all foreign bowmen, due to the threat of skilled cross bow mercenaries flooding England from the continent.
Considerations
Attempts to apply a weapon ban on cross bows failed. The weapon was in too high a demand and profitable for Artillators. The main disadvantage of the cross bow was the slow rate of firing. Medieval type cross bows fell out of fashion when quicker firing cross bow weapons were invented after the Middle Ages. Modern day cross bows resemble a gun, with a firing arrow on top.