Discover the World of Archery
Unveiling Archery's Rich History and Modern Practices
Explore the fascinating journey of archery from ancient traditions to contemporary techniques, and learn how it has shaped cultures worldwide.
The Legacy of Archery
Archery Through the Ages
Delve into the captivating history of archery, highlighting key developments and milestones.
66000 BC
Origins of Archery
The origin of archery dates back tens of thousands of years, making it one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring technologies. Archery, the use of a bow and arrow, was a revolutionary advancement that played a critical role in human survival, warfare, and culture throughout history.
1200 AD
Medieval times
Archery during medieval times (roughly 5th to 15th centuries) played a crucial role in warfare, hunting, and sport across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It was a period when the bow was both a practical tool and a symbol of power, shaping military strategies and daily life.
1500s
Archery in the Renaissance
During the Renaissance (14th to 17th centuries), archery saw a transition from its dominant role in medieval warfare to becoming more of a recreational and ceremonial activity in Europe. While bows were still used in some conflicts, advancements in technology and the emergence of firearms reduced their military importance.
1900s
Olympic Archery Debut
The sport featured on the programme of the Olympic Games in 1900, 1904, 1908 and 1920 during the early era. The competition formats were inconsistent, often based on local rules, and archery was subsequently dropped from the programme.
Archery returned to the Olympic Games in 1972 and has remained on the programme ever since. During this modern era, the competition format has evolved toward exciting, easily accessible and broadcast-friendly head-to-head matchplay.
More historical article about archery
When the Bow Rode: A Journey Through the History of Mounted Archery
"There is a particular beauty in loosing an arrow while the world rushes past you. Like trying to write poetry at full gallop." In the Saddle, String Drawn The first thing you lose is control. And yet—that's exactly what you must keep. I've practised archery for many...
The Quiet Bow: Were String Silencers Used on Medieval Bows?
In modern archery, string silencers are a popular addition to reduce the tell-tale “twang” of the bowstring. Whether made from rubber, synthetic materials, or traditional fur, these small additions help dampen noise and vibration, especially for hunters needing to...
The Truth About Historical Quivers: Debunking Myths and Celebrating Diversity
When it comes to historical archery, one of the most hotly debated topics in archery circles revolves around quivers. What kind of quivers did archers use in the past? Were back quivers only a Hollywood invention, or do they have a legitimate historical basis? As with...
The History of Arrowheads: Tools of Survival, War, and Craftsmanship
Arrowheads have been a cornerstone of human ingenuity and survival for millennia. From the earliest stone points crafted by our ancestors to the precision-engineered designs of today, these small yet powerful tools tell a story of adaptation, artistry, and necessity....
The English Longbow: A Weapon of Legend or Overrated Myth?
The English longbow has long been celebrated as a symbol of medieval English military dominance, famously credited with victories at battles such as Agincourt, Crécy, and Poitiers during the Hundred Years' War. Its reputation as a war-winning weapon has earned it a...
The Evolution of Precision: A History of the Archery Plunger
For centuries, archers relied solely on their skill, intuition, and the craftsmanship of their bows and arrows to hit their targets. From the battlegrounds of medieval England to the hunting fields of ancient Asia, the art of archery evolved without the technological...
Modern Archery Practices
Recurve Archery
Modern recurve archery is the perfect blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge technology. Defined by its iconic curved limbs that store energy efficiently, the recurve bow is the centerpiece of the Olympic Games, where precision and consistency reign supreme. Archers train rigorously to master balance, focus, and technique, using stabilizers, sights, and advanced arrow materials to fine-tune their performance. .
Compound Archery
Modern compound archery is a high-tech evolution of the sport, featuring bows with cams and pulleys that maximize power and precision. Known for their accuracy, compound bows allow archers to hold less draw weight at full draw, enabling steadier aim. Popular in hunting and competitions, the sport combines engineering, focus, and skill, making it a thrilling test of precision and control.
Barebow Archery
Modern barebow archery, a competitive class in World Archery, emphasizes skill and simplicity. Using a recurve bow without sights, stabilizers, or clickers, barebow archers rely on string walking and precise form for aiming. This discipline bridges tradition and sport, offering a challenging yet accessible path to competitive archery while showcasing raw talent and control. The way the archers aim is with the arrow point and at the same time using a string crawl to adjust for distance.
Longbow & Traditional Archery
Modern longbow archery blends tradition with innovation, featuring bows crafted from layered materials like wood, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. These advances enhance durability and performance while maintaining the iconic simplicity of the longbow. Without sights or stabilizers, archers rely on instinct and skill, making longbow archery a timeless yet evolving discipline.
More articles about archery
Draw Weight and Macho Myths
– or why hitting the target is cooler than hauling a catapult Let’s get straight to the point, gentlemen: Drop the ego. We need to talk about draw weight. Especially for beginners. For some reason, there’s this widespread macho myth that a “real man” should...
The Symmetry Within – Lessons from Asian Archery Traditions
Many archers focus on strength, technique and precision. But what if balance mattered more than muscle? In this article, we explore the philosophy and practical benefits of symmetry in traditional Chinese archery – and why western archers might want to borrow a few...
Oliver af Nettesheim and the Age of the Curved Line
A Midsummer Reflection from Artemis Archery It has become something of a tradition during Medieval Week in Visby to leave one’s modern self behind and don an alter ego for a while. Some become knights, others jesters, a few wander the streets as sleepy monks or...
Trinity of Bows
The first 3D competition of the season has just wrapped up, and I must say—it felt rather splendid. Not because I won anything of note (I didn’t), but because for the first time in ages, I felt something beginning to return. A calmness. The faint outline of joy. My...
Personalising Your Bow: Form, Function, and Soul
Archery is more than just a sport; it’s a deeply personal journey. Every archer’s bow is a reflection of their style, skill, and spirit. While tuning your bow ensures it performs at its best, personalising it elevates it from being a mere tool to something truly...
The Art and Science of Tuning Your Bow: Brace Height and Strings
Archery is a harmonious blend of precision, craftsmanship, and intuition. While the modern archer often focuses on form and equipment, the often-overlooked art of bow tuning can make the difference between frustration and satisfaction. At the heart of this process are...