The Longbow in Medieval Warfare (document)

The longbow was a powerful weapon used in medieval warfare, particularly by English archers. Standing about six feet tall, it could shoot arrows with incredible force and accuracy over long distances, often exceeding 200 yards. Its effectiveness was demonstrated in battles like Crécy and Agincourt, where skilled archers decimated enemy forces. The longbow required extensive training, enabling archers to fire multiple arrows quickly. Its prominence altered battlefield tactics, as disciplined archers could disrupt cavalry charges and heavily armored soldiers. Ultimately, the longbow played a crucial role in shifting the balance of power during conflicts in the Middle Ages.