| Cross Bow Hunting is a sport that involves the use | | | | throughout China. They were found to have been |
| of the cross bow. This weapon is comprised of the | | | | used by the famous Terracotta Army. The Chinese |
| bow and bolts. The bow is located on a stock and | | | | were also instrumental in the evolution of the |
| bolts are the projectiles that are shot from the unit. | | | | weapon. The repeating form with a system of |
| This implement has a rich history in the United States, | | | | automatic reload was developed in China during the |
| Europe, Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean. | | | | time of the Han Dynasty. There is evidence that the |
| Cross bow hunting and the weapon used for it date | | | | weapon actually originated in the country of China. It |
| all the way back to the 5th century BC. The Greek | | | | was used specifically for hunting, as opposed to |
| historian Diodorus Siculus wrote about the use of a | | | | warfare in Western and Central Africa. The |
| similar firing weapon. Some argue that it can be dated | | | | technology was brought to the Americas by African |
| even further in the past to the 3rd century BC. | | | | slaves. In America, it was used for killing game when |
| References continue to be made through the time of | | | | gunpowder was not available or was too expensive |
| the Roman Empire. The medieval period is when the | | | | to purchase. |
| look of the piece came closer to what is used today. | | | | Today, the weapon is used primarily for the sport of |
| The armies of the time used the weapon along with | | | | cross bow hunting rather than for warfare. As the |
| others such as javelins in battle. The crossbowmen | | | | sport has developed so has the equipment and levels |
| corps was an elite force in the medieval army. It | | | | of mastery. Beginners can certainly become proficient |
| continued to be used as the weapon of choice | | | | at straight, short shots in a relatively short amount of |
| among the best soldiers throughout the medieval | | | | time. However, practice is required to master more |
| period. | | | | complicated shots and trajectories. As one becomes |
| Ancient China also has evidence of cross bow | | | | more involved in the sport, more difficult shots are |
| hunting. Influential books of the time make several | | | | attempted and achieved. More technical equipment is |
| references to the weapon and its use. Remains of | | | | available for the master. |
| actual ancient versions have been discovered | | | | |