People & history

Archer: Definition, Types, and Core Skills

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

Archery Cabinet: The Elizabethan Ascham Explained

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

Arrowsmith and The Art Of Arrow Making

An Arrowsmith is a person who creates arrows for use in archery or other activities that require them. The process...

Ballista: The Giant Medieval Crossbow Explained

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

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 Explained

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

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...