CROSSBOWS - From the earliest time in history Man tried to reach further with his weapons. At first there were throwing sticks and later the ling bow developed, but the most important advancement was the crossbow which was more powerful and arrows arrived further.  The arrows were shorter but could penetrate some of the armour used, in fact some knights and other soldiers used chain mail which could absorb the strike better. They were widely used from the 14th century onwards until their place was taken by the pistol and other rudimentary firearms. - MALTA
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