When did European militaries stop using archers?
The use of archers in European militaries declined gradually over several centuries, with the crossbow and firearm eventually replacing the bow and arrow as the primary ranged weapons. The crossbow, with its greater power and accuracy, began to be widely used in the 11th century, and by the 14th century, it had become the dominant ranged weapon in most European armies. However, archers continued to be used alongside crossbowmen, as they were cheaper and easier to train.
The development of firearms in the 14th century further eroded the role of archers. Firearms were more powerful and accurate than crossbows, and they could be used by less skilled soldiers. As a result, firearms quickly became the primary ranged weapon in European militaries, and archers were relegated to a secondary role. By the end of the 17th century, archers had largely disappeared from European armies, although they continued to be used in some specialized roles, such as skirmishing and defending fortifications.
Related Questions
- When did the crossbow become the dominant ranged weapon in European armies? The crossbow became the dominant ranged weapon in European armies by the 14th century.
- Why were firearms more effective than bows and arrows? Firearms were more powerful and accurate than bows and arrows, and they could be used by less skilled soldiers.
- When did archers largely disappear from European armies? Archers largely disappeared from European armies by the end of the 17th century.
- Were archers ever used alongside crossbowmen? Yes, archers continued to be used alongside crossbowmen, as they were cheaper and easier to train.
- What specialized roles did archers continue to fill in the 17th century? Archers continued to be used in specialized roles, such as skirmishing and defending fortifications.
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