A new archaeological study is rewriting the story of one of history’s most influential weapons — the composite bow. Contrary to past beliefs that composite bow developed in several regions over time, researchers now say this powerful tool of ancient warfare likely appeared in just one place during the later part of the Bronze Age.
The research, led by archaeologist Gabriel Šaffa and published in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, points to the Near East as the likely birthplace of the composite bow around 1600 B.C. This revised timeline contradicts earlier ideas suggesting the bow was used as early as 3300 B.C.
Experts previously misidentified certain ancient weapons as composite bows, but Šaffa’s review of artifacts, artwork, and burial sites reveals they were actually simpler wooden bows. Unlike the layered construction of composite bows, these early versions lacked the materials and design that gave later models their deadly advantage.
The composite bow’s revolutionary design changes the battlefield
The composite bow’s strength lay in its unique construction. Made from layers of wood, animal sinew, and horn glued together, the bow was far more powerful and compact than earlier wooden versions. This design allowed archers to shoot farther and with more force — a critical advantage in battle.
The study ties the rise of the composite bow to other major advances of the time, including the invention of chariots, the use of horses in combat, and the growing role of bronze tools and weapons. These developments transformed warfare into a faster, more mobile form of combat, and the new bow fit seamlessly into that environment.
The earliest known composite bows were discovered in Egypt, including several found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun around 1300 B.C. Although these weapons were buried in Egypt, researchers believe they likely originated from regions such as Syria or Anatolia. The sharp angles and distinctive shape of these bows marked a major leap forward in their design.
Spread across continents and cultures
Once developed, the composite bow traveled quickly across Eurasia. Early Indo-Iranian groups are believed to have carried the technology eastward through Central Asia. By 1200 B.C., evidence shows it had reached modern-day Xinjiang in China, where over 100 examples were later uncovered in a cemetery known for its excellent preservation conditions.
As the weapon spread, its design evolved. Early models resembled the Egyptian style, but later versions were more refined. Some even featured one limb shorter than the other — an innovation suited for shooting while riding horseback.
By the Iron Age, nomadic warriors such as the Scythians had taken the composite bow to its peak form. Active between 900 and 300 B.C., these horse archers used a double-curved version that was small enough to use while riding, but strong enough to pierce armor. The bow became a defining weapon of the steppes, with its image appearing in pottery, tombs, and the records of ancient civilizations from Persia to China.
Šaffa’s findings also refute long-standing beliefs that early Indo-European groups such as the Yamnaya used composite bows. The evidence suggests they relied on simpler wooden bows, and only later Indo-Iranian cultures advanced the composite form that dominated ancient battlefields.