People & history

Archery Cabinet: History of the Elizabethan Ascham

An archery cabinet — historically known as an ascham — is a purpose-built storage piece originating in Elizabethan England, designed...

Arrowsmithing: The Craft of Arrow Making

An arrowsmith is a person who makes arrows by hand — selecting materials, shaping shafts, attaching fletching, and fitting points...

Ballista: Giant Crossbow of Ancient Siege War

A ballista is a large ancient siege engine that functioned like a giant crossbow. Used by Greek, Roman, and Chinese...

Bowhunter: Definition, Techniques & Gear Guide

A bowhunter is a person who pursues game animals using a bow and arrow. The practice demands skill, patience, and...

Horse Archer: History, Skills & Equipment

A horse archer is a mounted archer trained to shoot arrows accurately from horseback while riding — often at speed,...

What Is a Fletcher: The Arrow Maker's Trade Explained

A fletcher is a skilled artisan who crafts arrows — from selecting the shaft wood to attaching the arrowhead, fletching,...

What Is an Archer: Definition, Types, and Skills

An archer is a person who practices the skill of using an archery bow to shoot arrows accurately at a...

Windlass: Crossbow Spanning Device Explained

A windlass is a crank-operated spanning device used to cock a crossbow whose draw weight exceeds what a shooter can...