What Was the Role of Archers in Medieval Warfare?

In the early Middle Ages, bows and arrows were not exactly the stars of the battlefield. Their presence was limited, and heavy cavalry usually stole the spotlight. It wasn’t until around the 10th century that archery began to play a more significant role in medieval warfare, primarily as support for cavalry. Archers were typically drawn from the lower social classes, after all, swinging a sword on horseback was a luxury not everyone could afford.

Longbow vs. Composite Bow

The English longbow, famously made of yew wood, is believed to have originated in Wales. Although most closely associated with England, it eventually spread across Western Europe. Over time, the longbow evolved, becoming longer, more powerful, and far more intimidating. Early versions were drawn only to the chest, but later archers pulled the string all the way back to the ear, increasing both range and force. Not great news for anyone standing on the other end.

The short bow, better known as the composite bow, was built from layers of wood and horn glued together and reinforced with a string. This compact yet sophisticated design was favored by Eastern peoples and packed a surprising punch. Despite its smaller size, it could rival the longbow in power, proving that size doesn’t always matter.

The Crossbow: Effective, Feared, and Slightly Unfair

The crossbow was essentially a short bow mounted on a wooden stock with a trigger mechanism. It had an impressive range and allowed for precise aiming. Its main drawback? Reloading took time. Still, the bolts it fired could pierce shields, and sometimes armor, forcing knights to rethink their protective gear.

For knights, the crossbow was particularly terrifying. Not only could it punch through armor, but it could do so from a safe distance. Because of this, it was labeled an “unfair” and “un-noble” weapon. The Church even tried to ban its use, but since it was incredibly useful in warfare, the ban was largely ignored. Practicality won over piety.

Archers on the Battlefield

In battle, archers usually stood in the front lines and opened the fight. Once the enemy came within range, they began firing, sometimes launching arrows high into the air to create a deadly rain, and other times shooting straight at approaching troops. This tactic proved devastatingly effective. A famous example is King Harold, who was reportedly killed by an arrow to the eye at the Battle of Hastings, sealing his defeat in 1066.

The primary goal of archers was to weaken enemy defenses so that cavalry could charge in and deliver the final blow. By the 14th century, English archery had become especially destructive. Large numbers of archers could unleash arrow storms capable of stopping entire advances. This effectiveness was one of the key reasons for the decline of cavalry dominance in the late Middle Ages.

Infantry played a crucial role in protecting archers from enemy horsemen. Terrain was used strategically as archers positioned themselves on hills, behind bushes, or in areas difficult for horses to reach. On flat ground, they dug ditches or planted wooden stakes to block cavalry charges. Meanwhile, Eastern armies relied heavily on mounted archers, using composite bows while riding at full speed; a skill that required serious training and coordination.

Richard the Lionheart and the End of the Bow

In the 12th century, Richard I made extensive use of the crossbow. Its greatest advantage was ease of use: it didn’t require years of training, and soldiers could learn to operate it relatively quickly. Crossbows were especially valuable during sieges, allowing archers to shoot accurately while safely reloading behind castle walls.

In times of peace, archery tournaments were organized, not just for entertainment, but also as practical training exercises. Eventually, however, the invention of firearms slowly pushed bows and arrows off the battlefield. That said, traditions survived in places like Japan and Great Britain, where archery lives on today as a sport rather than a tool of war.

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Sources:

Palermo, B., Waddell, J., Medieval arms, armor and tactics: Tactics of the Middle Ages, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2002

Klopsteg, Paul E.. "archery". Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Dec. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/sports/archery

Strijela i luk. Hrvatska enciklopedija, mrežno izdanje. Leksikografski zavod Miroslav Krleža, 2013. – 2026. https://www.enciklopedija.hr/clanak/strijela-i-luk