The cross bow is not a new invention and is dated back to six hundred BC in ancient China. They were used in ancient time as weapons to defend against the enemy. The bow was used as a weapon and a toy and during the Han dynasty the bow became the main weapon of choice in battle. This was so because it was light weight and could be carried by all the soldiers. It could shoot the enemy from far distances so they have an advantage over them. The bow was also seen in the middle ages when William the conqueror made use of the weapon in England in 1066. The bow had a wooden stock which was coated with glue or garnish. The materials of choice used to construct the bow were wood, iron or steel. Hemp was used to make the strings which were then soaked in glue to protect it against all moisture. Minimal skill or training was required to use the bow as all that was required was to dray the string back by pulling a level or winding crank. It was widely used during battles and even civilians could use it due to its simplicity.
Over the years the crossbow has not changed much but now days it is used for hunting and ad a hobby and sport. The crossbow is a modified bow and arrow. The bow is resting sideways on a frame and the limb is pulled back mechanically by a trigger. The main difference between a bow and arrow and a crossbow is that once the bow and arrow is dawn you have to fire and cannot keep holding it. In the case of a bow you can draw it and keep it holding till the time you want to release it and fire. This also makes it more accurate as the shooter had plenty of time to carefully aim the shot before releasing. The bow can also travel long distances with an approximate range on three hundred and eighty yards. They are also the perfect for those who are not strong enough to draw a bow and arrow.
Form a weapon to a hunting device, now days you will never see a crossbow being used in warfare. Even though it is powerful and fast and agile there are now weapons which have been developed which are more deadly and much easier to use than they bow.