††††Evidence suggests that the bow and arrow were invented around 25,000 BC.
In Spain, stones which seem to be arrow tips have been found, and in the Sahara drawings of archers have been discovered. Bows and arrows were first used as a weapon for hunting. They were rarely turned on other humans until the introduction of civilisation and with it, organised warfare.
Until the introduction of gunpowder in the 14th century, bands of archers were to be found in every European army. By the mid-17th century archery was no longer a significant skill in warfare.
