A man wielding a bow, an early form of artillery used with great effect during the Hundred Years War by Edward III Most archers of the 14th century were armed with a padded jupon, mail shirt, or light brigandine Some also carried light swords and helmets such as the chapel de fer, but the majority were probably barely able to field more than themselves, a knife, and their bow / quiver of arrows Gradually replaced during the 15th century by the Arbalestier (crossbowman) and in the 16th century by the rifleman and cannon, the use of archers was a first step towards combined arms in an era dominated by heavy cavalary Masses archers could destroy a mounted unit of cavalry or infantry if they could get in enough volleys before being crushed underhoof
a shooter with the bow (1 Chr 10: 3) This art was of high antiquity (Gen 21: 20; 27: 3) Saul was wounded by the Philistine archers (1 Sam 31: 3) The phrase "breaking the bow" (Hos 1: 5; Jer 49: 35) is equivalent to taking away one's power, while "strengthening the bow" is a symbol of its increase (Gen 49: 24) The Persian archers were famous among the ancients (Isa 13: 18; Jer 49: 35; 50: 9, 14, 29, 42 (See BOW)