Question for the mathematically oriented (archery)!

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Practice makes perfect... :wink: Good hunting !

[Robert]

Hitting a target that size at 100 meters is a great performance!! Even if it took 20 arrows. The main thing would be the spacing, how close were the ones that missed? A standard human torso is 50 x 75, that would be the profile to aim for at any distance. The end result would be the amount of full body hits going down as the range increases, but that is a common factor, as wind, elevation and arrow weight start to have a more significant impact (forgive the pun) in your chance of plugging the target. At 30 meters, a moderatly good archer will score 4 out of 5 arrows as a crippling wound or kill on a human sized shape. At least I do, and I am NOT an expert archer. With an 80 pound bow, the effects on the target are very telling, ripping into the target with great power.

[John Conyard]

From memory Vegetius mentions practice at targets set up at the equivalent of 177m.

If we can agree that Roman bows pulled around 80-90lb bows, 177m is easily within range. Perhaps arrows of various weights were carried for different ranges, as happened in later periods.

Penetration depends on a whole range of variables, including the weight and velocity of the arrow, the design of the arrow head, and the nature, angle and movement of the target. The efficiency of the bow, it's capacity to store energy and transfer it to the arrow is also important.

In battle I'm sure a barrage over several ranks to deter the enemy was common. In smaller skirmishes individual accuracy would become more important.

For public displays distance shooting is fun, but the targets are too far away for the public to appreciate good shooting. With targets at 50m the arrows should still be at optimum velocity and targets can be destroyed. Destruction is generally a good thing

[Virilis]

Thanks John!

I would like to think that the draw-weight of the roman bows could have been somewhere between 80-140 pounds, it is achievable with a surprisingly little practice considering also the fact that these guys (auxiliary archers) profession was to shoot with them.

It is not so easy in my opinion to "duck" the arrow as presented previously here. With a heavy bow you can shoot with a reasonable straight trajectory up to somewhere around 100-150 metres. I have had people watching me shooting and they say that if you miss the arrow just a little bit when it is released, you can`t "catch" it with your eyes anymore. Of course the main volley of arrows during the combat situation is being shot towards a group of enemy with a higher trajectory from further away...

[John Conyard]

Yes, 80-140 lb seems feasible. I use a 80lb yew bow when on foot. I would just about qualify as a Roman archer.

Interestly American yew seems less good at storing and releasing energy than it's European counterpart. I suspect we will never be able to get close to a good reconstruction of a Roman bow.

Certainly at 80m with an arrow coming straight for you from a 60lb bow you don't have time to duck. Or register much except the arrow's just missed you. :roll:

[Virilis]

Yes, 80-140 lb seems feasible. I use a 80lb yew bow when on foot. I would just about qualify as a Roman archer.

Interestly American yew seems less good at storing and releasing energy than it's European counterpart. I suspect we will never be able to get close to a good reconstruction of a Roman bow.

Certainly at 80m with an arrow coming straight for you from a 60lb bow you don't have time to duck. Or register much except the arrow's just missed you. :roll:

Oh yes! It is more difficult to spot the arrow than people usually think, no matter if viewed from the side or facing an approaching one help me god :wink: !

[M. Demetrius]

Perhaps (though I've never seen it) it might be easier to spot 900 incoming arrows, as they would make a different color in the sky for a second or two? Hope I never have to find out. Yikes. hock: :?

[Titvs Statilivs Castvs]

Well, not many would be able to tell it afterwards... :?

[Robert]

Yes, I am sure you can see those coming! It's just picking out the one most likely to hit you and to duck that particular one which would be the hard part ....... :lol:

[Buggnkat]

Yes, 80-140 lb seems feasible. I use a 80lb yew bow when on foot. I would just about qualify as a Roman archer.

140# draw weight? That is almost unbelevable. May I ask where this information came? I am interested, but find that draw weight extraordinary.

I shoot regularly as well as hunt with both recurves and compounds. My hunting weight might hit 70# if I am shooting regularly, but that is the tops I have shot. 80# would be what I would consider extremely difficult draw weight. Not saying it couldnt be done, but repetative shooting would most certainly seem to be out of the question.

Now I have not studied archery in ancient times, but I shoot now with recurve and find it very relaxing for me and a way to stay in shape, but I am interested in reading more and learning.

Greg Lee