Longbow
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This article refers to European longbows, for longbows of other cultures see natural bows and composite bows.
The longbow is a launching device for arrows. It represents a historical form of the bow. The term longbow serves as a generic term for all simple, stick-shaped bows; in the extended use it also stands for bows with flat cross-sections ("flat bow"), which have been archaeologically proven in Europe since the Middle Stone Age. The longbow - like all other bows - is not a firearm according to the German Weapons Act.
The English longbow is the type of staff bow of the late Middle Ages, usually made of yew or elm, which became known primarily through its mass use in late medieval battles.
To distinguish the longbow from other types of bows, two criteria in particular must be met: The length corresponds approximately to the size of the archer and the bowstring touches the longbow only at the string suspensions (the "tips").
Longbowmen execute Saint Sebastian. Altarpiece from ca. 1493
Longbow, 45 English pounds draw weight at standard draw length, equivalent to 200 N draw force.
Japanese longbow
From Japan a variant of the longbow is known, which is called Yumi. They are considered the longest bows known in the world.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is a longbow?
A: A longbow is a type of bow used mainly in the Middle Ages until the 1500s. It was made from a single piece of hard wearing, flexible wood, often from a yew tree.
Q: How did it compare to a crossbow?
A: The longbow may not have been as strong as a crossbow, but it could shoot more arrows per minute.
Q: What kind of armor could stop it?
A: Only the strongest armor would be able to stop an arrow shot from a longbow.
Q: What other weapon would archers usually carry?
A: Archers (longbowmen) would usually have a second weapon, often a battle-axe, if the fighting came close to them.
Q: How was the longbow constructed?
A: The longbow was constructed with one side facing the target being made of flexible sapwood and the belly (facing the archer) being round and made of strong heartwood (from the center of a tree).
Q: How did groups of archers use their weapons together?
A: Groups of longbowmen would shoot at the same time and their arrows would come down like hail which often scared off enemies.
Q: When were longbows first used in Europe?
A: Longbows have been found in Europe as far back as the Mesolithic period.
