Beginnings
The earliest concrete evidence of archery dates back 50,000 years. [1]. The bow probably originated for use in hunting and was then adopted as a tool of warfare. Bows eventually replaced the atlatl, as the predominant means for launching projectiles. Archery was practiced in antiquity on every inhabited continent that it is both basic and versatile.

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Classical archery
Classical civilizations, notably the Macedonians, Nubians, Greeks, Persians, Parthians, Indians, Chinese, and Koreans, fielded large numbers of archers in their armies. Arrows proved exceptionally destructive against massed formations and the use of archers often proved decisive. Archers sometimes rode on horseback (horse archers), combining range with speed. Apollo, Odysseus and other mythological characters are often depicted with a bow.

The phrase "A parting shot" comes from the Parthian shot, a technique employed by the Parthians, with the riders turning in the saddle to shoot as they rode away from the enemy.

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