Top 10 Most Skilled Archery Teams in World History

The Mongol bow, revered by the Mongols from the 3rd century onward, is considered one of the most powerful and deadly bows in history. These bows were renowned for their accuracy at ranges over 500 yards (450 meters) and were commonly used from horseback. The draw weight of these bows is approximately 75 kg.

The secret behind the effectiveness of the Mongol bow lies in its recurved design, making it more compact, portable, and efficient, while packing a powerful punch. Constructed from a mix of bamboo, animal sinew, and horn, these bows could store a significant amount of energy without degrading. The arrows, typically made of birch, are about 1 cm in diameter and range from 80 to 100 cm in length, featuring a variety of sharp tips.

This bow was famously used by the Samurai warriors of feudal Japan. The Yumi (meaning 'bow' in Japanese) is considered one of the deadliest bows in the world. In English, the term often refers to asymmetrical bows, such as the longer daikyū and the shorter hankyū.

These weapons played a crucial role in the Samurai's arsenal and were widely employed during Japan's feudal wars. Unlike Western bows, these asymmetrical bows were notably tall, originally designed for use on horseback, with the lower limb of the bow being drawn by a bent arm. The draw weight estimates vary greatly, with some reconstructions suggesting a range from 110 pounds (50 kg) to 176 pounds (80 kg).

Archery, known as gungdo or gungsuh in Korean, is a traditional martial art in South Korea. Archery culture can be traced back to ancient Goguryeo kingdom murals and records from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, reflecting its long-standing history in the region. Korean bows are typically categorized as simple or composite, depending on the materials used. The simple bows are crafted from a single material, such as wood or bamboo.

The composite bows are made by combining various materials. The type of bow produced depends on the bowyer and the available materials. Other notable types of Korean bows from the Joseon dynasty include changgyeonggung (a strong bow), similar to the traditional stag-horn bow, used for heavy arrows; Yesung (a ceremonial bow), the longest among Korean bows, which was only used in rituals; and smaller bows like donggaehwal, designed for mounted archers and carried on horseback.

Another deadly bow in history is the Scythian bow. Made from wood, horn, sinew, and bound together with glue, these composite bows were among the most advanced weapons of their time. Used by the Scythians (a nomadic warrior tribe from South Siberia between the 9th century BCE and 1 BCE), this bow proved to be a highly effective weapon.

The draw weight of these bows is still debated, but it is generally believed to be around 100 pounds (55 kg). It's important to note, however, that this weight was likely based on drawing the bow to shoot very short arrows. Much like the Mongol bow, the Scythian bow was designed for use on horseback.

The Persian Bow was used both for hunting and warfare. Different types of Persian bows, made from metal, ivory, or composite materials, were considered the strongest. One particular bow, crafted by the artisan Ostad Madjid in Tehran in 1188 Persian calendar (1809-1810 AD), is renowned for its historical significance. Similar pieces can be found in the Nyonnais Museum in Noyon and the Horse Museum in Chantilly.

The decoration on the Persian Bow depicts various hunting scenes, with backgrounds resembling vegetation or architectural elements, inspired by motifs from manuscripts of the same era. The orange background enhances the finely detailed figures and animals. The handle, set against a black backdrop and adorned with golden floral patterns, is characteristic of the Qajar Turkmen dynasty, which ruled from 1786 to 1925. The bow’s limbs mirror the handle’s decorative elements, finished with wood-colored parts, varnished and embellished with gold detailing.

Ancient Egypt boasts a rich history, with their achievements in writing and architecture continuing to inspire wonder to this day. The Egyptian Empire can be divided into three kingdoms: the Old Kingdom (2686 BC - 2181 BC), the Middle Kingdom (2134 BC - 1690 BC), and the New Kingdom (1549 BC - 1069 BC). Archery was a vital part of Egyptian life throughout its long history. The first Egyptian bows were likely simple creations made from antelope horn or wood.

The ancient Egyptians used several types of bows. The two most common were the self-made single-piece wooden bow and the composite bow, imported into Egypt from Western Asia around 1700 BC. These composite bows, made from layers of different materials like wood, horn, and sinew, were more powerful than the simple wooden bows and could hit targets at a distance of up to 250 meters. The distinctive double-curved shape of these bows created a triangular profile when strung, with the tips curving inward as the bow was drawn.

Aztec weaponry was distinct from that of their European enemies, yet for their region, they possessed some of the finest weapons and armor. Their weaponry was built around speed and mobility, rather than brute strength. Bows and arrows have been used in warfare by virtually every nation across the globe, and each culture developed its own specialized archers. The Aztecs were no exception.

The Aztec bow resembled those of other cultures, with Aztec warriors carrying quivers containing around 20 arrows. The bows were typically 5 feet long, and the arrows, known as yaoming, were made from flint, bone, or obsidian. As with all their weapons, the Aztecs were highly skilled in archery. It is believed that their arrows could travel distances of up to 450 feet or more.

Another historically significant bow is the Turkish bow, which was inspired by designs from the Eurasian steppes, the homeland of the Turkic peoples. The Turkish bow evolved into a formidable weapon of war. One variation of the bow featured a wooden core, with the belly made of animal horn (the side facing the archer) and a front covered with sinew. These bows have a highly curved shape when unstrung and are still widely used in competitive archery today.

Like other Eastern bows, the Turkish bow was drawn with the thumb (in contrast to the European style using fingers). This technique was developed to facilitate shooting while riding horseback. Turkish archers also developed methods to increase their rate of fire in battle, such as holding spare arrows between the fingers of the drawing hand. Modern studies suggest that these bows had relatively low draw weights, around 30 kg. However, some studies suggest that they could rival longbows in performance.

One of the most renowned bows in history, the English longbow is famous for its incredible strength. Measuring approximately 1.8 meters in length, it gained fame during the Battle of Crecy and the Battle of Agincourt, becoming a significant force in history and a formidable weapon for England's enemies for centuries. Crafted from yew wood, these bows remained in service with the English army until the end of the English Civil War.

When the wreck of the Mary Rose was discovered in the 1980s, hundreds of 16th-century longbows were found preserved in surprisingly good condition. Estimates of the draw weight of these bows vary, typically around 100 lbs, but tests show they ranged from 100 to 180 pounds (45 to 82 kg). These bows had an effective range of up to 350 yards, and the heavy war arrows they fired were believed to be capable of penetrating all but the best medieval plate armor.

The Nordic people developed their own unique bow and utilized it in large-scale battles. Numerous archaeological findings, along with artwork and written records, suggest that archery played a significant role in the lives of the Vikings. The Viking bow was a self-bow, though the Viking people were also familiar with the horned bows of the Eurasian steppe nomads.

Although the bows found in Viking archaeological sites are primarily self-bows made from a single wooden stave, other types of bows have been mentioned in historical records. It seems that medieval Vikings were well-acquainted with various bow styles. As a seafaring people with vast maritime trade routes and connections to traders from the Eurasian continent, the Vikings likely had easy access to Asian steppe bows during the 13th century.