Changes

In Charlemagne’s armies it became an essential weapon: ‘lanceam, scutum et arcum cum duas cordas, sagittas duodecim’ Capitulary of Aarchen of 802/3, c 9. This instruction is most likely the result of the Carolingian wars against the Avars who we know from grave finds used composite bows with bone lathes [Manley 1985: p.226]. <br>

We have evidence from <><> and manuscripts that in battle archery was often performed by two men working together, one firing while the other supplied arrows.

Archery - Paired (Harley Psalter f.6r).jpg|(Harley Psalter f.6r)

Archery - Paired (Harley Psalter f.7r).jpg|(Harley Psalter f.7r)

It appears that archery was not performed in Britain from horseback but it might have been done in France and the rest of mainland Europe. Byzantium warriors were known to ride backwards while shooting [Nicolle 1984].

Archery - Horse (Stuttgart Psalter f.7v).jpg|(Stuttgart Psalter f.7v)

Archery - Horse (Harley Psalter f.25r).jpg|(Harley Psalter f.25r)