10-14-2014, 10:37 PM
Hello, Paul
The true wooden long-bow had to be a minimum of 6 feet long; otherwise it would break... especially if drawn beyond a 30-inch pull. Also, a long-bow or self-bow weakens with use, and its power diminishes. It would be my guess that Roman bows of the Republican period were composites of the "cupid," Greek, or Scythian ilk. After the demise of Crassus, it would seem logical that the newer "eared" composite would have been adopted by the Roman army. Therefore, by the 1st century AD the Romans were using a design that was more-or-less universal... from China to Britain. If you are looking for a repro "Roman bow," check out Czaba Grozer's website. He makes a fine symmetrical Roman bow that gives the appearance of a true composite with ears (siyahs).
The true wooden long-bow had to be a minimum of 6 feet long; otherwise it would break... especially if drawn beyond a 30-inch pull. Also, a long-bow or self-bow weakens with use, and its power diminishes. It would be my guess that Roman bows of the Republican period were composites of the "cupid," Greek, or Scythian ilk. After the demise of Crassus, it would seem logical that the newer "eared" composite would have been adopted by the Roman army. Therefore, by the 1st century AD the Romans were using a design that was more-or-less universal... from China to Britain. If you are looking for a repro "Roman bow," check out Czaba Grozer's website. He makes a fine symmetrical Roman bow that gives the appearance of a true composite with ears (siyahs).
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
