Talk:Crossbow

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

	This article is within the scope of the Military history WikiProject. If you would like to participate, please visit the project page, where you can join the project and see a list of open tasks.
B	This article has been rated as B-Class on the quality scale.
Related task forces... Medieval warfare task force (c. 500–c. 1500) Weaponry task force

Archives
Archive 1 (thru May 2006)

[edit] West Africans brought crossbows to US?

"Other sources note its usage in Western Africa, with enslaved Africans bringing it to America."

Is there a source for this? I highly doubt "enslaved" Africans brought crossbows to America. I highly doubt they had crossbows. I'm removing this.

• [1] should be a start. I've replaced it, with a ref. --jpgordon^∇∆∇∆ 04:50, 30 July 2006 (UTC)

Thank you. Read the sources to an article. Wandalstouring 15:02, 30 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Lateran II

Has anyone bothered to read the canons of the second Lateran Council ? There is a wikilink that shows that nothing in that council speaks of crossbows or arbalest, the only relevant canon is the 29th which speaks of slingers and archers... Also I would like better substantiated proof for the Urban II forbiddance Chris CII 15:36, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

Slingers and archers includes all range weapons. The crossbow was nothing special, it was a bow.

French wiki says: L'usage de l'arc et de l'arbalète est proscrit à l'encontre des chrétiens (canon 29).

Wandalstouring 17:22, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

It's an often-repeated statement that the church outlawed crossbows (when used against Christians) specifically, but at least with regard to the 2nd Lateran council, that doesn't seem to be supported by the text shown in the Wikipedia article on Lateran 2. Many sources I found in a brief search repeat the notion that "crossbows were banned for use against Christians", and mention both Pope Urban II and Lateran 2, but mostly without any details or evidence of real research into the issue. One source specifically states that Lateran 2 didn't apply to longbows, but still with no indication of real research. Another source quotes language (including the original Latin) from Lateran 2 that doesn't seem to be in the Wikipedia article, though this quote doesn't include the text where the weapon(s) are named, and the difference from the Wikipedia article may just be a difference of translation. I'm inclined to think that it's a myth that the Lateran 2 "Anathem" applied specifically and exclusively to crossbows, but it's an amazingly widespread myth. With regard to Urban II, my search didn't turn up anything with any original text from his decree or whatever it was. I'll look into this some more later.KarlBunker 18:18, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

In the Medieval source book I found the following citation:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/LATERAN2.HTM

29. We prohibit under anathema that murderous art of crossbowmen and archers, which is hateful to God, to be employed against Christians and Catholics from now on.

But read the footnote:

1. There are no surviving acts of the council and very little can be surmised from the records and chronicles. The sources are collected in Hefele, Histoire des conciles d'apres les documents originaux, trans. and continued by H. Leclerq 1907-52., 5/1, 721-722; but see also, Bernhardi Jahrbuecher der deutschen Geschichte, I Leipzig 1883, 154-160.

Wandalstouring 17:23, 14 June 2006 (UTC)

I'd like to see the sourcing improved on this section of the article. If the historical record is thin, that's fine; we need to say that. If we're claiming "experts" have a different idea, we shouldn't cite a single self-published work; where are the experts, plural, and what consensus is there? --Thatnewguy 19:23, 31 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Crossbowmen usually had two servants...

The discussion starting with 'Crossbowmen usually had two servants...' seems a bit spurious. The Xbow was used for hundreds of years in many different contexts so a blanket assertion like this seems a bit odd. Can someone add who & when to this section? And even a cite? Ashmoo 01:04, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

It refers to Richard Lionheart and his crossbowmen on the crusade and to the Landsknecht crossbowmerceneries. The drawing one had a special name "Spannknecht". So it is said in special regard to Europe from 9th to 15th century.

The Roman ballista was either operated by several men. It is unlikely for lighter versions with poisoned bolts like the Chinese operated.

Wandalstouring 02:41, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

Hussite Wars shows crossbowmen with shield carriers. But they did not have this approach of master and servant because they were a religious group fighting for survival. Perhaps the passage can be rephrased to fit them too. The depicted equipment is far too good for an army relying on farming flails.

Wandalstouring 16:11, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] platearmor crossbowproof

In Nuremberg there was a special treatment for high quality armor. It was shot squarely with a crossbow. The bolt only left a small mark. With this sign of steadfastness it was sold throughout Europe as crossbowproofed armor. It was too expensive for most soldiers or knights to afford. In formations the ones with such protection were among the first ranks (receiving more payment) or commanding officers. Wandalstouring 02:53, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Modern crossbows and hunting with the crossbow

There is lots of research about the employment of the crossbow in Europe during the Middle Ages, sources about China are almost totally lacking. Despite the fact when it FIRST appeared little is said about development and employment. China did have a Middle Age.

Today crossbows are still used for a variety of reasons, especially in hunting, sport and still military. Especially hunting with the crossbow is an interesting part that is definetly mentioned too short in this article. Most times a crossbow was shot, it was practice and second came hunting, warfare is a rare exception. Wandalstouring 01:23, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

True, but warfare was certainly the most interesting use of crossbows. Not many people want to read about hunting with a crossbow, and nobody wants to read about practice shots with a crossbow.  :-)

It's the uses that had historical importance that are most interesting. KarlBunker 02:02, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

Well, crossbow is the best weapon to kill whales (sure Greenpeace would like to know). I just assume, that as the biggest multilingual free-content encyclopedia we should provide some information besides this warfare-thingy.

I agree, and as you said, it would be nice to have more info about Chinese usage of the crossbow too. KarlBunker 14:20, 12 June 2006 (UTC)

I saw a crossbow (basic hunting recurve) used to fire a modified bolt with a cord attached used to take a tissue sample

from a whale. I don't think the animal was seriously harmed. - raptor 1 July 2006

It depends on size and intention. In former times it was hunting to kill whales. They are not only big animals. there are a lot more smaller whales. whalehunting was about hitting precisely the breathing hole to drown it with its own blood. in meantime the rope enabled to keep in contact with the dying animal. Wandalstouring 11:49, 1 July 2006 (UTC)

But it is nice to know that other things than killing whales are possible. Wandalstouring 23:11, 3 July 2006 (UTC)

I think crossbows are often used when they are needed to fire something much heavier that a bullet, eg. a bolt with a line attached for fishing/whaling or quick movement between buildings etc. -raptor 08:00, 22 July 2006 (UTC)

Can you provide pictures and sources (manuals for vets, etc.) to spice up the article? ThxWandalstouring 17:43, 22 July 2006 (UTC)

Modern Crossbow

What exactly do you mean?

I have a photo of a modern recurve crossbow, what do you think? (It's mine so I could get a specific angle etc. if you like)

raptor 12:10, 12 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] stationary devices for drawing crossbows

Battle of Higueruela (1431) between John II of Castile and Muhammed IX, Nasrid Sultan of Granada

on the left bottom corner is a crossbow on a bench and a man turning a wheel of a mechanism under the table of the bench. the string faces towards this mechanism. Wandalstouring 13:42, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Beekeepers

Karl, that phrase sounds much better now, but the content is wrong. Wandalstouring 18:19, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

How so? Let me know and I'll fix it. KarlBunker 18:27, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

Done. Up until the 17th century was about the specific style of beekeeping. I have no deadline for the use of the crossbow, but since the 15th century it faded out. So probably was no longer in use in the 17th. Wandalstouring 18:29, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

By the way, can you insert a short note that there were stationary devices for loading crossbows. See picture next to this. Wandalstouring 18:31, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

It doesn't seem like this "stationary drawing machine" was used very often, so I'm not sure it's worth including in the article. The article is already a bit too much of a random collection of little facts, I think. KarlBunker 09:56, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

Some little facts we can delete. They are contained in other parts of the article. Perhaps a new structure could help. Wandalstouring 11:56, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Modern Crossbows

"Modern crossbows are often made with a similar technology to modern bows, but also sprinsteel is still in use. Composite materials such as fibreglass and compound can be employed for either compound or recurve structures. Today strong compound crossbows still use pulleys or cams to provide a mechanical advantage." This section sounds really good but I'm not sure if "...and compound can be employed..." makes sense. raptor 01:45, 19 August 2006 (UTC)

"Modern crossbows are often made with a similar technology to modern bows, but also sprinsteel is still in use. Composite materials such as fibreglass can be employed for either compound, recurve or both structures. Today strong compound crossbows still use pulleys or cams to provide a mechanical advantage." Better? Wandalstouring 02:35, 19 August 2006 (UTC)

Do you take compound to mean:"a modern bow that has pulleys or cams at the end of each limb through which the bow string passes"?

Also, are you from the US (with regard to laws)?raptor 10:58, 19 August 2006 (UTC)

"Modern crossbows are often made with a similar technology to modern bows, but also sprinsteel is still in use. Composite materials such as fibreglass can be employed for either compound (inactive material), recurve (active material) or simple bow (active material) structures. Today strong compound crossbows still use pulleys or cams to provide a mechanical advantage."

No I am from Germany. Wandalstouring 11:09, 19 August 2006 (UTC)

Would you be able to find out about some modern German/European crossbow laws? raptor 14:23, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

No problem, just translate them from wikipedia.de Wandalstouring 16:27, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] The Article

This is a really good article. Colonel Marksman 16:32, 1 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] external link statement

In our external link is the following statement.

"Many people assume that compound bows are faster at launching bolts. This isn't necessarily the case. Due to the mechanical complexity of a compound system, the force applied to the bolt is at it's maximum only halfway through release. After the midway point power diminishes rapidly. Therefore a compound crossbow delivers uneven levels of force during the launch process."

I think it is wrong, because a compound has increasing accelaration all the way, while a recurve has decreasing accelaration. The heavier the projectile, the slower is the speed and thus, the longer is the way it is accelerated from a recurve system and efficiency increases. If somebody objects my opinion he should tell, but otherwise I think we should delet external links with wrong claims. Wandalstouring 23:40, 18 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] anonymous edits

several edits without sources have been made by 81.7.56.229 and I am not sure whether the info provided is true.

"lath" - prods of crossbows are flat and straight, not thick and bend, but calling it a lath?

some with sickle-shaped heads to cut rope or rigging - sure, I know such arrows, but are there any known crossbow bolts with this feature? It sounds like a waste of energy to me.

"can be" several times heavier - The lighter they are, the less efficient is the weapon system in releasing stored energy.

trigger (originally "tricker") - I could find no source for this claim and I do not thing this is the right place for such a discussion. Wandalstouring 16:17, 22 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Structure

This article needs some restructuring to be readable again. Suggestions? Wandalstouring 02:57, 23 November 2006 (UTC)

How about begining with history, then talking about technology, types etc and finally modern uses and legal issues using a more modern point of view? cyclosarin/raptor 04:37, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Maybe like:

• Introduction
• History
• Types of Crossbow
  • Repeating Crossbow
  • Seige Crossbows
  • Ball???? Crossbows (the ones that fire balls)
  • Recurve Crossbow
  • Compound Crossbow
  • Pistol Crossbows
• Crossbow Bolts
• Crossbow Accessories
  • Cranks and other cocking aids,
  • Sights
  • other...
• Crossbow Hunting
• Crossbows in Sport
• Other Uses
• Legal Issues
  • (By Country)
• See Also
• External Links
• References

cyclosarin 05:03, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Some changes:

• Introduction (what is the content? Perhaps some basics on how a crossbow works and what it is)
• History
• Types of Crossbow
  • Acceleration system
    • simple bow/lath Crossbow
    • Recurve Crossbow
    • Ballista and others using springs
    • Compound Crossbow
  • Type of weapon
    • Small hunting crossbow/gastraphates
    • Pistol Crossbows
    • Repeating Crossbow
    • Arbalest
    • Siege Crossbows/Oxybeles
    • Ballista (short summary with link to the main article)
    • Bowguns (firing stones or lead)
• Crossbow projectiles
  • bolts
  • others
• Crossbow Accessories
  • Cranks and other cocking aids,
  • Sights
  • other...
• Crossbows in Sport
• Crossbow Hunting
• Crossbows in the modern military
• Other Uses
• Legal Issues
  • (By Country)
• See Also
• External Links
• References

Wandalstouring 20:30, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Wow that looks really good, nice work. I might try adapting some of the current material to this new structure on my subpage, see Plan. cyclosarin 06:05, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

I've given it a start but some sections, especially the types of crossbows have to be updated before I can update this article. I also uploaded another photograph of the reticle of a crossbow telescopic sight. cyclosarin 06:58, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

This structure works well, could you give me a hand, especially with the types of crossbows section please? cyclosarin 07:35, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Restructure

This is a plan based on the new structure of the of the Crossbow article discussed above.

This article is about the weapon. For other uses, see Crossbow (disambiguation).

A crossbow is a weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles. A mechanism in the stock holds the bow in its fully-drawn position until it is shot by releasing a trigger. Crossbows played a significant role in the warfare of Europe during the Middle Ages, and in Asian warfare. Crossbows are used today primarily for target shooting and sport hunting.

[edit] History

Elephant-mounted double-bow arcuballista and a wheel-mounted bouble-bow arcuballista of the Champa kingdom

The Greek version of the crossbow (gastraphetes) was extensively used by the army of Dionysius during the siege of Motya, a key Carthaginian stronghold in Sicily, in 397 BC.^[1] Sun Tzu refers extensively on the use of this weapon and the earliest reliable record of crossbows seeing action is from the Battle of Ma-Ling at 341 BC. By the 200s BC, the crossbow (nǔ, 弩) was well developed and quite widely used in China. They have been found among the soldiers of the Terracotta Army in the tomb of emperor Qin Shi Huang (260-210 BC) ^[2]. Handheld ballistae were used in the Later Roman Empire and served a similar purposes as crossbows in the Medieval armies. The Romans also had crossbows with a prod, the arcuballista (hence the name "arbalest"). In Western Africa crossbows served as a scout weapon and for hunting, with enslaved Africans bringing the technology to America^[3]. In the American south, the crossbow was used as a hunting weapon when firearms or gunpowder were unavailable because of economic hardships or isolation^[4]. Light hunting crossbows were traditionally used by the Inuit in Northern America, as well as being found throughout Eurasia and the Indonesian Islands.

Chinese Chuangzi Nu "Little Bed Crossbow", alias Double-bow Arcuballista

Up until the seventeenth century most beekeepers in Europe kept their hives spread across the woods and had to defend them against bears. Therefore their guild was granted the right to bear arms and is commonly depicted carrying heavy crossbows.

The Finnish national epic, Kalevala, depicts Joukahainen ambushing the hero Väinämöinen with a crossbow. The legendary hero of Switzerland, William Tell supposedly shot an apple from the top of his son's head using a crossbow, and went on to start the war of liberation by ambushing the landreeve Gessler.

A modern sculpture showing a Medieval crossbowman drawing his bow behind his pavise. This crossbow shows one of the simpler mechanisms for drawing a powerful crossbow: A strap is attached to the archer's belt, a hook on the end of the strap engaging the bowstring. Holding the crossbow down by putting his foot through the stirrup, he draws the bow by straightening his legs.

Crossbows were used in European warfare from roughly 800 to 1500 AD. They almost completely superseded hand bows in many European armies in the twelfth century for a number of reasons. Although an expertly handled longbow had greater range, equal accuracy and faster shooting rate than an average crossbow, the value of the crossbow came in its simplicity: it could be used effectively after a week of training, while a comparable single-shot skill with a longbow could take years of practice. The invention of pushlever and ratchet drawing mechanisms enabled the use of crossbows on horseback.

The Saracens called the crossbow qaws Ferengi, or "Frankish bow", as the Crusaders used the crossbow against the Arab and Turkoman horsemen with remarkable success. In the armies of Europe^[5], mounted and unmounted crossbowmen, often mixed with javeliners and archers, occupied a central position in battle formations. Usually they engaged the enemy in offensive skirmishes before an assault of mounted knights. Crossbowmen were also valuable in counterattacks to protect their infantry. The rank of commanding officer of the crossbowmen corps was one of the highest positions in any army of this time. Along with polearm weapons made from farming equipment, the crossbow was also a weapon of choice for insurgent peasants such as the Taborites. Famous were the Genoese crossbowmen who hired as mercenaries for many countries in medieval Europe, while the crossbow also played an important role in anti-personal defence of ships^[6].

Crossbowmen among the Flemish citizens^[7], in the army of Richard Lionheart, and others, had two servants, two crossbows and a pavise shield to protect the men. One of the servants had the task of reloading the weapons, while the second subordinate would carry and hold the pavise (the archer himself also wore protective armor). Such a three-man team could shoot 8 shots per minute, compared to a single crossbowman's 3 shots per minute. The archer was the leader of the team, the one who owned the equipment, and the one who received payment for their services. The payment for a crossbow mercenary was higher than for a longbow mercenary, but the longbowman did not have to pay a team of assistants and his equipment was cheaper.

Mounted knights armed with lances proved ineffective against formations of pikemen combined with crossbowmen whose weapons could penetrate most knights' armor. This led to the development of new cavalry tactics. Knights and merceneries deployed in triangular formations, with the most heavily armored knights at the front. The knights would carry small, powerful all-metal crossbows of their own. Crossbows were eventually replaced in warfare by gunpowder weapons, although early guns had slower rates of fire and much worse accuracy than contemporary crossbows. Later, similar competing tactics would feature harquebusiers or musketeers in formation with pikemen, pitted against cavalry firing pistols or carbines.

It is an often-repeated belief that both Pope Urban II in 1097 and the Second Lateran Council under Pope Innocent II in 1139 banned the use of crossbows against Christians (There are no surviving acts of the council and very little can be surmised from the records and chronicles.)^[8]. Examining the existing differing fragmentary original sources closely does not evidently show that Urban II ever made such a ban and that the Second Lateran Council's prohibition (which has various possible translations) applied to ordinary bows as well as crossbows, and perhaps to all missile weapons in general.^[9]

[edit] Types of Crossbow

[edit] Acceleration system

[edit] Lath Crossbow

A simple crossbow resembles a bow attached perpendicularly to a stock and operates in a similar way.

[edit] Recurve Crossbow

Modern recurve crossbow

See also: Recurve bow

A recurve crossbow is a bow that, in contrast to the simple crossbow, has tips that curve away from the archer when the bow is held in shooting position. The recurve bow's bent limbs allow for:

• A lower bracing height with the same limb length
• More spring force over the first few inches of draw
• A smoother draw

[edit] Ballista and others using springs

[edit] Compound Crossbow

[edit] Type of weapon

[edit] Small hunting crossbow/gastraphates

[edit] Pistol Crossbows

[edit] Repeating Crossbow

Main article: Repeating crossbow

A repeating crossbow is one where the separate actions of stringing the bow, placing the bolt and firing it can be accomplished with a simple one-handed movement, all the while keeping the crossbow stationary. This allows the bow to fire at a faster rate compared to a normal crossbow. A magazine containing a number of bolts is present on top of the bow and the mechanism is worked by moving a rectangular lever forward and backward.

[edit] Arbalest

Main article: Arbalest

The arbalest was a late variation of the medieval European crossbow. A larger weapon, the arbalest had a steel prod ("bow"). Since an arbalest was much larger than earlier crossbows, and because of the greater tensile strength of steel, it had a greater force. The strongest windlass-pulled arbalests could have up to 22 kN (5000 lbf) strength and be accurate up to 500 m. A skilled arbalestier could shoot two bolts per minute.

[edit] Siege Crossbows/Oxybeles

[edit] Ballista

Main article: Ballista

The ballista was a powerful ancient crossbow that ejected heavy darts or spherical stone projectiles of various sizes. It developed into a smaller sniper weapon (Scorpion). It is considered to be the most complex weapon made before the Industrial Revolution and the only pre-industrial weapon to be designed scientifically.

[edit] Bowguns

Bowguns are a type of crossbow which rather than firing arrows or bolts fire spherical projectiles such as stones or lead, often down a barrel.

[edit] Crossbow projectiles

[edit] Bolts

The arrow-like projectiles of a crossbow are called "bolts." These are much shorter than arrows but can be several times heavier. There is an optimum weight for bolts to achieve maximum kinetic energy, which varies depending on the strength and characteristics of the crossbow. Modern bolts are stamped with a proof mark to ensure their consistent weight. In order to accommodate the groove that the bolt rests in, bolts typically have only two fletches, rather than the three fletches commonly seen on arrows. Crossbow bolts can be fitted with a variety of heads, some with sickle-shaped heads to cut rope or rigging; but the most common is a four-sided point called a quarrel.

[edit] Shperical Projectiles

Some crossbows were made to shoot stones or lead bullets. Primarily used for hunting wildfowl, these had a double string with a pouch between the strings to hold the projectile.

[edit] Crossbow Accessories

[edit] Cranks and other cocking aids

Pull lever	Push lever	Ratchet	Windlass
stationary windlass device	repeating crossbow with pull lever and automatic reload magazine

[edit] Sights

The reticles of modern crossbow telescopic sights often allow the shooter to adjust for different ranges

Modern crossbow sights often use similar technology to modern firearm sights.

[edit] other

[edit] Crossbows in Sport

[edit] Crossbow Hunting

Crossbows are still used for hunting in many countries, such as the USA or the countries of West Africa.

[edit] Crossbows in the modern military

Crossbows are sometimes used in modern militaries as low noise alternatives to firearms.

[edit] Other Uses

A whale shot by a modified crossbow bolt for a blubber biopsy sample.

Modified crossbows are used in whale research to take blubber biopsy samples without harming the whales. ^[10]

[edit] Legal Issues

The crossbow often has a complicated legal status due to its lethality and its similarities with both firearms and other archery weapons.

[edit] Australia

Pistol crossbows are strictly controlled in all Australian states due to their concealable nature. Crossbows can be bought and owned by adults over 18 years of age in some states such as Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, while in most of the eastern states crossbows can only be owned with a special licence, for instance for members of an official sporting club. Control on transport of crossbows between states has increased to prevent unauthorised use of imported crossbows.^[11]

[edit] Canada

In Canada, crossbows that can be aimed and shot with one hand, or have an overall length of less than 500 mm (19.68 in) are considered prohibited weapons. (Canada firearms center FAQ)

[edit] Finland

In Finland hunting with crossbow is not allowed. But possession of crossbows and other bows requires no licence. (Finnish law)

[edit] Germany

In German law on weapons, crossbows and firearms are equated in their legal status as weapons(WaffG Anlage 1 1.2.2), but in contrast to guns, acquisition, possession, trade or production of crossbows requires no license (WaffG Anlage 2). Because of their definition as weapons, but without further restrictions, any crossbows can be used by minors under custody of competent adults. Fishing and hunting with crossbows is prohibited.

[edit] United States

For crossbow hunting in the U.S. a person may have to have a disability or special licence to use one. In Georgia, at least, a crossbow may be used in hunting feral hogs & any other game except waterfowl.

[edit] See also

• Arbalest
• Ballista
• Repeating crossbow
• Bow (weapon)
• Medieval warfare
• Grand Master of Crossbowmen
• longbow
• Ballistics
• trajectory

[edit] Notes

1. ^ Stanley M. Burstein, Walter Donlan, Sarah B. Pomeroy, and Jennifer Tolbert Roberts (1999). Ancient Greece: A Political, Social, and Cultural History. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-1950-9742-4, p. 366
2. ^ Weapons of the terracotta army
3. ^ Notes On West African Crossbow Technology
4. ^ Notes On West African Crossbow Technology
5. ^ Verbruggen, J.F., Second revised and enlarged, edition, in English translation (1997). The art of warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. Boydell&Brewer. ISBN 0-85115-570-7.
6. ^ Notes On West African Crossbow Technology
7. ^ Verbruggen, J.F., Second revised and enlarged, edition, in English translation (1997). The art of warfare in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. Boydell&Brewer. ISBN 0-85115-570-7.
8. ^ The sources are collected in Hefele, Histoire des conciles d'apres les documents originaux, trans. and continued by H. Leclerq 1907-52., 5/1, 721-722; but see also, Bernhardi Jahrbuecher der deutschen Geschichte, I Leipzig 1883, 154-160.
9. ^ Turner, Monte (2004). The Not So Diabolical Crossbow: A Re-Examination of Innocent II’s Supposed Ban Of The Crossbow at the SecondLateran Council. Self-published thesis.
10. ^ http://whale.wheelock.edu/bwcontaminants/st_lawrence.html
11. ^ http://www.ausbow.com.au/crossbow.htm

[edit] References

• The Crossbows of South-West China, by Stephen Selby, 1999
• African crossbow, Donald B. Ball, 1996
• Crossbow of the Hill Tribes

[edit] External links

• Crossbows
• The Crossbows Tournament, Island Rab

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Crossbows

ca:Ballesta

cs:Kuše da:Armbrøst de:Armbrust es:Ballesta et:Amb fr:Arbalète (arme) gl:Bésta it:Balestra (arma) he:קשת אופקית lv:Stops (ierocis) nl:Kruisboog ja:クロスボウ no:Armbrøst pl:Kusza pt:Besta (arma) ru:Арбалет sl:Samostrel sr:Самострел fi:Varsijousi sv:Armborst zh:弩

Please edit it here or above, and comment here or on the talk page. If no one objects I was hoping to finish this and add the new content to the main article. cyclosarin 02:29, 7 December 2006 (UTC)