In this section you will find a selection of wooden crossbows. The earliest use of the crossbow in warfare was in China in the 3rd and 4th Centuries BC. In Europe the crossbow has been in use since Roman times and their use is illustrated several times on the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings in 1066. By the 12th century crossbows became more common than straight bows for use in most European armies because they required less training to use effectively and for their increased strength.
