extent and spread of turko-mongol bows in europe

fernando · 12th August 2021, 07:57 PM

During the middle ages, two types of bows evolved in the Iberian peninsula; the Eastern, also known as the 'two-turn' bow; and the English, known as the 'long bow'.
From the 8th century onwards, it started being known in the Iberian Peninsula, probably due to Arab influence, a type of double-curved bow that prevailed in Portugl until the 12th century. Designed to be used on horseback, with enormous elasticity, it was considered magnificent for both war and hunting, having some acceptance at the time until it was supplanted by the crossbow. Built with three types of materials, bone, wood and sinew, they required the greatest care in their adjustment. It is a mystery today how the different parts of a double-curved arch were so firmly connected and how the tendon or gut that gave the arch its elasticity was treated, and especially how the glue that resisted such effort when the bow was used. Another mystery is that of the thick polishing that seems indestructible, applied to the entire outer surface of the bow, to protect the various substances from humidity and ruin, and which resisted, without cracking, its considerable flexion.
The last European nation to equip itself with units that used the Moorish arch was Venice. Not only did they import the bows but also Turkish archers to handle them.

The crossbow is not as modern as it might be thought, because in 1139 in the Councilium of Latrão, Pope Innocent II prohibited the use of the crossbow between Christians.

Attached are:
A Portuguese archer shooting a two turns bow in an illuminated page of the Apocalypse of Lorvão, dated 1189 and a Tukish horseman shooting the double turn bow while riding (Istambul)

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12th August 2021, 07:57 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	What if ... During the middle ages, two types of bows evolved in the Iberian peninsula; the Eastern, also known as the 'two-turn' bow; and the English, known as the 'long bow'. From the 8th century onwards, it started being known in the Iberian Peninsula, probably due to Arab influence, a type of double-curved bow that prevailed in Portugl until the 12th century. Designed to be used on horseback, with enormous elasticity, it was considered magnificent for both war and hunting, having some acceptance at the time until it was supplanted by the crossbow. Built with three types of materials, bone, wood and sinew, they required the greatest care in their adjustment. It is a mystery today how the different parts of a double-curved arch were so firmly connected and how the tendon or gut that gave the arch its elasticity was treated, and especially how the glue that resisted such effort when the bow was used. Another mystery is that of the thick polishing that seems indestructible, applied to the entire outer surface of the bow, to protect the various substances from humidity and ruin, and which resisted, without cracking, its considerable flexion. The last European nation to equip itself with units that used the Moorish arch was Venice. Not only did they import the bows but also Turkish archers to handle them. The crossbow is not as modern as it might be thought, because in 1139 in the Councilium of Latrão, Pope Innocent II prohibited the use of the crossbow between Christians. Attached are: A Portuguese archer shooting a two turns bow in an illuminated page of the Apocalypse of Lorvão, dated 1189 and a Tukish horseman shooting the double turn bow while riding (Istambul) . Attached Images