Can a medieval arrow actually penetrate a suit of chainmail armor?
In short: Ray Mears investigates the effectiveness of the bow as a weapon of war by testing whether arrows can pierce chainmail. Joined by experts, he explores the historical evolution of archery from its ancient origins to its role as a decisive force on the battlefield.
The bow is considered by some to be the first true weapon of mass destruction. Its history spans from early hunting tools to sophisticated military technology. Evidence of archery dates back 70,000 years to microliths found in South Africa, while the oldest complete bow ever discovered is an 11,000-year-old artifact from the Mesolithic site of Star Carr in Britain.
Beyond archaeological finds, the human relationship with the bow is captured in Algerian cave art and the 4,000-year-old remains of Ötzi the Iceman, who was found in the Alps with an arrow in his shoulder. By examining these artifacts and conducting experimental archaeology, Mears traces the development of the bow through the Middle Ages, specifically looking at its impact on historical conflicts like the Battle of Hastings.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Does An Arrow Pierce Chainmail? | Archery With Ray Mears
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