Setting his foot in a stirrup in the lower part of the stock, he bent over, caught the bowstring in a hook suspended from his belt, straightened up, and brought the string into the locking device in the groove of the stock. In the earlier version the bowman placed the weapon on the ground, bow down and stock, or cross, upright. The metal bow, relatively short, was bent by one of two methods. The destructive power that made it so feared derived from the substitution of metal (wrought iron or mild steel) for wood in its construction. Its origins are obscure, but its earliest appearance in Europe was in the technologically advanced Italian cities of the 10th and 11th centuries.

The crossbow, or arbalest, was an important technical achievement that enjoyed the further distinction of being outlawed (at least for use against Christians) by the Lateran Council of 1139. Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.Ĭrossbow, leading missile weapon of the Middle Ages, consisting of a short bow fixed transversely on a stock, originally of wood it had a groove to guide the missile, usually called a bolt, a sear to hold the string in the cocked position, and a trigger to release it.This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.#WTFact Videos In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find.Demystified Videos In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions.

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