Plural of crossbow; weapons consisting of a bow fixed horizontally on a wooden stock, using springs to launch bolts.
From 'cross' (Old French 'crois') + 'bow' (Old English 'boga'). The device emerged in China around the 7th century and reached Europe by the 11th century, revolutionizing warfare.
Crossbows were invented in ancient China over 2,000 years ago and could be used by someone with minimal training—unlike traditional bows requiring years to master—making them the 'democratizing' technology of medieval warfare!
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