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Precision, strength and timing are major components of almost every sport. But none require the stillness and expertise of archery. Throughout the ages, the bow and arrow have played a very key role in the development and history of human kind. Think about it– 25,000 years ago, when humans first began to use the bow and arrow, hunting became a much simpler task. Instead of having to confront a beast with a spear, or frighten a creature by approaching it, the hunter using the bow and arrow could wait from a distance for the right action to arise. Then, taking very careful aim, he or she would let an arrow fly, hoping to hit the mark and consequently feed the tribe which depended on this kill.

So, you can see how important it was for a person to master the skill of the bow and arrow. The first culture to really master the art of archery was the Ancient Egyptians, who practiced their skills hunting and on the grisly battlefield. The Egyptians first surprised the Persians in battle, who were only equipped with spears and slingshots. Soon thereafter, the use of the bow and arrow spread throughout the ancient world. Cultures such as the Babylonians and Assyrians adopted the craft, and the Old Testament tells of the Hebrew tribe’s ability to excel at its use. The Romans also depended on their fine archers as they acquired power. However, eventually, the Huns, Goths and Vandals outdid the Romans, which led to their defeat during the beginning of the Medieval period.

In Asia, the Chinese honed the art of archery during the Shang dynasty (circa 1600-1050 BCE.) In battle, a war chariot would consist of a driver, a man wielding a lance and an archer. Talk about a war machine! On a lighter note, the art of archery soon became a welcome artistic practice among the nobility of the Zhou, or Chou, dynasty (circa 1030-250 BCE.) Courtiers and would participate in archery competitions which were accompanied by beautiful music and elaborate ceremony.

Are you getting a sense that archery was key in the history of the world? Remember the story of William Tell? Legend tells us that he was a 14th Century marksman from Switzerland who was ordered by a governor from Austria to take aim at his own son. Tell’s son supposedly stood against a tree with an apple sitting atop his head, which his dad was to aim for. Luckily, William Tell successfully avoided hitting his child. Imagine the concentration and aim that it took to gain such a mastery over this tool.

Today, bows are generally constructed out of wood, fiberglass or graphite, with a string connecting the ends of the bow. The arrow, nowadays made of aluminum or carbon graphite, is tipped with a sharp point, and tailed with flight-stabilizing feathers that help it meet its mark. A notch in the butt-end of the bow is fitted into the string, then pulled back, and–ZING!– let loose to fly to its mark. Watch for the variations of archery competition when the Olympics are played. Observe the precision of the sport’s practitioners, and remember the important role that archery has played in the history of our world.