"The simple sling is often neglected when reviewing the long history of ranged warfare. Scholars typically focus on the simple thrown spear (javelin), atlatl, throwing axe, bow, and crossbow. However, in experienced hands, the sling was arguably the most effective personal projectile weapon until the 15th century, surpassing the accuracy and deadliness of the bow and even of early firearms.
Ranged weapons have played an important role in organized warfare since its inception. Some of the earliest uses of military formations are depicted in Neolithic cave paintings, where archers are seen in a line (Ferrill, 1985). This strategic grouping meant the collective firepower of the unit was greater than the sum of its individual parts (Ferrill, 1985). Because Neolithic clans were small, perhaps a few hundred people at most, the use of formations in infantry combat occurred considerably later. It was not until the dawn of civilization, when surplus food and goods could support armies, that infantry numbers grew large enough to merit the use of shield walls, columns, and other formations.
As armies grew in size and complexity, units became increasingly specialized, fulfilling a particular need on the battlefield. Ranged units were responsible for sending showers of missiles into enemy ranks to thin the line and break up the opposing shield wall. This barrage caused confusion and demoralized the enemy. Soldiers then took advantage of any openings or weaknesses in the shield wall, punching through, and potentially splitting the opposing force, allowing the enemy to be flanked or encircled. (Hawkins, 1847; Korfmann, 1973; Ferrill, 1985; Grunfeld, 1996; Underwood, 1999; Nicholson, 2004) Ranged units were sometimes positioned on the flanks, so enemy advances were met with a brisk hail of missile attacks. This helped break up the advancing force into a disorganized charge, that the solid line of defenders could more readily defeat. (DeVries, 1956) Ranged units were also used for a variety of secondary roles, such as cutting off supply trains and covering retreats …."
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Amicalement
Armand
ponders nirvana.
