A Brief History:

The bow has been around a very long time, it seems to have been invented over 11,000-12,000 years ago. Indications of the bows earliest use was in Europe (north of Germany). Historians have found evidence of arrows (made from pine and flint points) even older than this. It is presumed that these arrows were launched from atlatls, a device used on most continents which was eventually replaced by the bow.

The bow and arrow was used in hunting and battle. In some civilizations, archery became a highly developed discipline. Archers became a specialized and regular unit in many armies. Some even became adept at using the weapon from horseback.

The Archer found his way into many stories, myths, and legends. He can even be found in the stars.

The bow and arrow had its practical use as a battlefield weapon as late as the 21st century. The advent of firearms (though its earliest versions had its downfalls such as a much lesser rate of fire and being susceptible to inclement weather) replaced the bow as a military projectile weapon.

Today, archery is still used widely in competition and for hunting. Engineers have developed different forms of bows, arrows and accessories, including the compound bow, with its evolution still quickly developing and evident with constant introductions of smaller frames that shoot arrows faster.