If the enemy has not reached you yet, why would there be bows and arrows lying around? Unless you were an archer - in which case you've have your own equipment. There's no evidence of men-at-arms suddenly getting all nervous and reaching for a bow. You would stand firm and let the archers do their job.thomas wrote:would it be fair to say that if an army was marching towards you hell bent on killing you and there were bows and arrows lying around you would'nt pick one up and shoot it.
The bows in the early battles would have ranged from 60lb drow to 100lb.
plenty of arrows lying about to.just a thought.
After the enemy has engaged you a spear, pike, bill or other staff weapon (or a sword) is far more effective in the melee than a bow. You'd probably be better off poking the enemy with your bow rather than shooting it!
Why do you assume this? There is no evidence of the draw-weights of earlier bows.The bows in the early battles would have ranged from 60lb drow to 100lb.
Gerald of Wales writes in the 12thC about an arrow piercing a 4" oak door. Trust me, it takes a LOT more than a 60lb bow to do this (or even 100lb). So the heavier bows must have existed.
This is an example of ignorant people projecting what they can do onto their forebears. Don't be fooled into thinking a 100lb bow is a heavyweight bow. With practice and good technique just about any fit adult male can shoot a 100lb bow. Those who can't generally lack either the will or the technique.