Throughout history, wars have broken out between tribes
or nations over land, resources, and status. Methods of
fighting changed over time, as people invented new, deadly
weapons to fight with and improved ways of protecting
soldiers from injury in battle.War
(^1) BOW AND ARROW
The bow and arrow, invented more than 12,000 years ago, is one
of the oldest weapons used in war. There are various types. The
longbow was often used by foot soldiers, while this short Mongol
bow is designed to be used from horseback.
(^2) ARMOUR
The earliest soldiers wore armour made from wood, leather, and
bone. After people discovered how to work metals, soldiers could
wear armour made of mail (interlocking metal rings) or metal plates.
Medieval knight European knights saw warfare as a way
to win honour. Knights wore expensive suits of armour
to protect themselves and as a display of wealth.
Slits in the visor
allowed the wearer
to see and breathe
Even the knight’s feet
were covered by armour
A disc called a
“besague”
protected
the armpit
Sword used to
stab at weak
points in
enemy’s
armour
Steel-bladed sword
Mongol archer In the 13th century, Mongol warriors from
east Asia conquered the largest land empire in history.
They fought on horses, using bows and arrows.
Mace (heavy
club) was used
to strike down
enemies fleeing
on foot
Armour made
of hardened
leather plates
sewn together
Red leather quiver could
hold up to 60 arrows
Dagger and
ornamental
scabbard
(holder)
Bow
Quiver
Iron mace
Leather helmet
2
Light and
flexible
armour
allowed the
knight to
move freely
(^13)
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240_241_War.indd 240 10/01/19 2:26 PM