Archery, one of the first methods of hunting game, was developed more than 25,000 years ago. Archeologists have uncovered archery equipment used by the ancient Egyptians, and it was also used by the nomadic tribes of Mongolia, as well as the Goths, Visigoths and other warring peoples of Europe. The peoples of the Americas, Africa, and the Arctic also used bows and arrows for hunting as well as for sport.
Archery as Sporting Event
In 1780 the Royal Toxophilite Society was founded in England in order to promote archery as an amateur sport as well as to popularize the game. Archery was also prominently featured as an Olympic sport in 1900, 1904, 1908, and 1920 and was reintroduced in 1972 after more formalized rules for Olympic archery were created.
Types of Bows and Arrows
Unlike bows and arrows of yore, which were constructed out of wood, metal and animal sinew, most archery equipment is now made out of composite materials, although wood and aluminum are still used. A variety of bows exist to suit the needs of today's modern archer. These include:
o Compound bow - made up of a system of pulleys and cables and became widely used in the 1970s. Crossbows are a type of compound bow.
o Straight bow - traces its origins to the English longbow and was one of the most popular types of bows.
o Recurve bow - the recurve bow is the only type of bow used in the Olympics and is also the most popular of bows on the competitive circuit. It is made out of a composite material.
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