Archery History

The History of Archery

Archery is one of the oldest arts still practiced today.
The history of the bow and arrow is entwined in the history of humanity. Archery initially emerged as a technique for hunting and then later for warfare. The earliest evidence of archery – arrowheads made of flint – dates back to around 20,000 BC. It’s possible that early humans were using bows and arrows even earlier.

Distinctive styles of equipment and technique developed in almost every region of the world. In Asia, where warriors were often mounted on horseback, shorter composite bows became popular, while longbows made of yew made England a military power through much of the Middle Ages. Large communities of archers shooting traditional bows remain active today. 
Archery became obsolete in warfare with the advent of gunpowder and quickly developed into a sport.
The first-known archery competition that we can relate to modern times was held in Finsbury, England, in 1583 and had 3000 participants. Archery first featured at the modern Olympic Games from 1900 to 1908 and in 1920. World Archery was founded in 1931 to secure the sport a permanent place on the program, which was achieved in 1972.