The crossbow is a remarkable weapon. It revolutionized the use of archery in times of war, as any soldier could be trained to use the instrument.

The crossbow has been around for thousands of years, and documents from as early as 700 BC describe the use of the weapon. It originated in Eastern Asia, as records indicate its use in Chinese warfare all the way back to 500 BC. Europe also used crossbows, particularly in Ancient Greece where documents describe a “katapeltikon,” or a giant mechanical arrow-shooting catapult.

It also graced the pages of history in Medieval Europe and the Middle East. Today, it is still a commonly use weapon in militaries. Countries like Serbia and China still use versions of the crossbow!

So, now that you know how impressive and relevant the crossbow is, here’s some fun news. You can make your own crossbow using basic tools in your home! Check out the video on the next page to see how!

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