← Explore on the interactive map

Composite Recurve Bow

Type Object Region Eurasian steppe Time c. 1100–1190

The composite recurve bow of the Eurasian steppe mounted-archery tradition, made of laminated horn, sinew, and wood, was compact, powerful, and capab…

Timeline

  1. c. 1100–1170Central Asia-Mongolian steppe · Mongolian PlateauThe laminated composite recurve bow of horn, sinew, and wood was widely equipped among steppe peoples; compact in form and easy to draw on horseback, it became the standard ranged weapon of nomadic cavalry.
  2. 1181–1190Eastern Eurasian steppe · Mongolian PlateauIn the tribal conflicts and pressure on neighbors of the 1180s, the composite recurve bow remained core tactical equipment, with mounted-archery tactics and bow-making craft continually refined.

Sources