11-23-2006, 02:24 PM
In The Sarmatians: 600 BC -- AD 450 (Oprey Press, 2002), R. Brezezinski and M Mielczarek mention "Hunnish" bows, as follows:
During the 1st century AD a powerful new type of bow gained popularity; this is known today as the 'Hunnish' bow, though evidence of its Huns origins is inconclusive. Measuring 120cm (48ins) or more in length, it was much larger than the Scythian bow, and also of composite construction with prominent bone laths on the ears. It was usually asymmetrical in shape, with the top half above the grip being longer. Significantly more powerful than its predessors, the Hunnish bow could draw arrows of 80cm (32ins), with heavier heads than seen previously.
Can anyone shed light on where these "Hunnish" bows came from or why they were noticeably more powerful, as the earlier Scythian design was already recurved and composite construction? Just the larger size? Different wood?
Finally, did the Romans adopt this new design, or leave it to the barbaricum and foederati?
During the 1st century AD a powerful new type of bow gained popularity; this is known today as the 'Hunnish' bow, though evidence of its Huns origins is inconclusive. Measuring 120cm (48ins) or more in length, it was much larger than the Scythian bow, and also of composite construction with prominent bone laths on the ears. It was usually asymmetrical in shape, with the top half above the grip being longer. Significantly more powerful than its predessors, the Hunnish bow could draw arrows of 80cm (32ins), with heavier heads than seen previously.
Can anyone shed light on where these "Hunnish" bows came from or why they were noticeably more powerful, as the earlier Scythian design was already recurved and composite construction? Just the larger size? Different wood?
Finally, did the Romans adopt this new design, or leave it to the barbaricum and foederati?
"Fugit irreparabile tempus" (Irrecoverable time glides away) Virgil
Ron Andrea
Ron Andrea
