The history of Archery

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Archery's rich history

Archery has a rich heritage in history, literature, art, religion, and philosophy. It is believed that archery has been in existence for over 100,000 years. Together with fire, the wheel, and speech, archery is considered one of mankind's most important initial developments.

For primitive man, it literally meant survival as he depended on the bow and arrow to supply food. Skilled archers through the centuries changed the course of history. As long ago as 5000 B.C. the Egyptians were able to dispel the Persians using refined archery skill. The Normans, the English, Genghis Khan, and the Japanese samurai warriors all used bows and arrows in battle. Even as late as the 1970's, bows were used in war situations.

Today archery is used primarily for three reasons:

1. for relaxation
2. for its challenge
3. for hunting purposes

Archery, Focus and the Olympics

Archery is a sport in which concentration is the key to success. While focusing on a target, the archer must leave behind daily tensions and relax. The challenge of putting an arrow in a circle the size of a dime from 18 metres is exciting. Archery for hunting allows the hunter to extend the hunting season as well as to give more challenge to the hunt.

Archery has developed into a family sport that allows each participant to work towards his or her own personal goals. Some archers are interested only in the pursuit of excellence. Others seek the glory of an Olympic medal. Still others use the sport to provide meat for their families. No matter what the goal is, one major benefit of archery is that the participant can find an area within the sport and adjust it to meet his or her own interests, needs, and physical conditioning.