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Song Dynasty Shenbi Bow

Type Object Region China Time c. 1041–1050

The Shenbi bow was a powerful individual crossbow developed in the late Northern Song, renowned for its long range and strong penetrating power, whic…

Timeline

  1. c. 1041–1044Yanzhou · Yan'anAs the Song-Xia War continued and Western Xia cavalry proved highly mobile, Song forces relied on long-range crossbow fire for suppression. During the Qingli era, frontier commanders repeatedly requested improved strong crossbows with greater range and penetrating power, driving systematic improvements in crossbow arm materials, trigger mechanisms, and drawing methods.
  2. c. 1045–1050Bianjing arsenal and Armaments Bureau · KaifengThe capital's Armaments Bureau compiled frontier experience in improving crossbow weapons, experimenting with hardwood crossbow arms, improved crossbow tips, and string tension to enhance the range and power of individual crossbows. This technical accumulation laid the foundation for the later finalization and deployment of the Shenbi bow; histories record the Shenbi bow as having a "range of 270 bu," making it the Song army's signature long-range weapon.

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