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Chinese crossbow

Type Object Region China Time c. 1–500

Ancient East Asian ranged weapon of stock, trigger, and bowstring, storing mechanical force for arrows with greater range and penetration than a hand…

Timeline

  1. c. -300–-221Central Plains · ChinaIn the late Warring States period, bronze crossbow trigger components tended toward uniform specifications; sight, nut, trigger blade, and string hook were interchangeable, laying the foundation for mass issue and logistical maintenance.
  2. c. 1–220Chang'an · GuanzhongHan armies issued crossbows graded by draw weight in shi; dedicated crossbowmen such as the Huben and Caiguan, working with chariot crossbows and foot-spanned crossbows, provided core firepower against the Xiongnu and in suppressing internal rebellions.
  3. c. 220–500Luoyang · Central PlainsCity warfare was frequent in the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties period; large bed-mounted crossbows and defensive crossbow towers were deployed in large numbers, and the crossbow became the decisive firepower platform in siege and defense.

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