Do heavier arrows and bows really kill in ancient warfare?

  • Thread starter Blue Scallop
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In summary, the weight of an arrow is not as important as the draw weight of the bow. Combining a lighter arrow with a bow that requires more strength to draw can be more deadly than a heavy arrow with a bow that requires less strength. The Battle of Agincourt in 1415 is an example of the effectiveness of arrows in war, and there is a long history of bow and arrow use for hunting and warfare. The use of bows and arrows in war is not as lethal as bullets, but it depends on the accuracy and strength of the shooter. Arrows and bows can be purchased at sporting shops.
  • #36
russ_watters said:
Delta Force? Fictional action movie star girl? Can't tell if serious, but sure hope not...:nb)

True, if someone's going to bring up Katniss Everdeen's bow, it belongs in Sci-Fi. Next thing you know we'll be discussing the accuracy of Han Solo's blaster. In all fairness though, the accuracy of Katniss's bow has nothing to do with the bow's physical composition. Nowhere in the movies does the bow accomplish a shot that Howard Hill probably couldn't replicate with a basic longbow while shooting The Adventures of Robin Hood (I think, I only saw them once). The weapon's accuracy has everything to do with the fact that it's wielded by the "hero" main character...

Back in the real world though, to the OP's original premise, I would point out that when talking about the use of arrows in warfare, it wouldn't have to be a straight-up kill shot. Arrow wounds would affect the fighting performance of the soldier, making them more likely to die in hand-to-hand combat. Also, medical science in that era was such that a flesh wound could easily cause a potentially lethal infection (especially in the chaos of a battlefield). So there were ways an arrow could kill other than "the string's released, the arrow flies, the other guy drops dead". That's in addition to all the other great points on here that a heavier-weight bow (around the 80 pound and up range) can easily put an arrow through someone's heart.

EDIT
OP, if you're interested in this type of thing (how weapons do their damage) check out the TV show Deadliest Warrior. It was one of my favorite shows when it was on. They use all kinds of instrumentation and test scenarios to study the actual damage weapons would inflict.
 
Last edited:
<h2>1. Do heavier arrows and bows really make a difference in ancient warfare?</h2><p>Yes, heavier arrows and bows can make a significant difference in ancient warfare. The weight of the arrow and bow can impact the velocity, distance, and penetration power of the arrow, making it more effective in taking down targets.</p><h2>2. How do heavier arrows and bows compare to lighter ones in terms of killing power?</h2><p>Heavier arrows and bows generally have more killing power than lighter ones. This is because they have more energy and momentum, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the target and cause more damage.</p><h2>3. Did ancient armies prioritize using heavier arrows and bows in battle?</h2><p>There is evidence to suggest that ancient armies did prioritize using heavier arrows and bows in battle. The use of heavier arrows and bows was often associated with elite and more skilled archers, and their effectiveness in battle was highly valued.</p><h2>4. Are there any drawbacks to using heavier arrows and bows in ancient warfare?</h2><p>While heavier arrows and bows may have more killing power, they also require more strength and skill to use effectively. This could limit their use to only the most skilled archers in the army, and could also impact the speed at which arrows can be fired.</p><h2>5. How do modern studies and experiments support the use of heavier arrows and bows in ancient warfare?</h2><p>Modern studies and experiments have shown that heavier arrows and bows can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of archery in ancient warfare. These studies have demonstrated the increased velocity, penetration power, and accuracy of heavier arrows and bows, making them a valuable weapon in battle.</p>

1. Do heavier arrows and bows really make a difference in ancient warfare?

Yes, heavier arrows and bows can make a significant difference in ancient warfare. The weight of the arrow and bow can impact the velocity, distance, and penetration power of the arrow, making it more effective in taking down targets.

2. How do heavier arrows and bows compare to lighter ones in terms of killing power?

Heavier arrows and bows generally have more killing power than lighter ones. This is because they have more energy and momentum, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the target and cause more damage.

3. Did ancient armies prioritize using heavier arrows and bows in battle?

There is evidence to suggest that ancient armies did prioritize using heavier arrows and bows in battle. The use of heavier arrows and bows was often associated with elite and more skilled archers, and their effectiveness in battle was highly valued.

4. Are there any drawbacks to using heavier arrows and bows in ancient warfare?

While heavier arrows and bows may have more killing power, they also require more strength and skill to use effectively. This could limit their use to only the most skilled archers in the army, and could also impact the speed at which arrows can be fired.

5. How do modern studies and experiments support the use of heavier arrows and bows in ancient warfare?

Modern studies and experiments have shown that heavier arrows and bows can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of archery in ancient warfare. These studies have demonstrated the increased velocity, penetration power, and accuracy of heavier arrows and bows, making them a valuable weapon in battle.

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