Fire arrow

Manual Fire Arrow

Fire arrow

A fire arrow is a projectile weapon that was used in ancient and medieval warfare. It is essentially an arrow with a combustible material attached to it, which is ignited before being shot from a bow. Fire arrows were used to set enemy structures, equipment, and even personnel on fire, causing chaos and destruction.

History

Fire arrows have been used by various civilizations throughout history. The earliest recorded use of fire arrows dates back to ancient China during the Warring States period. They were also employed by the Mongols, Greeks, and Romans. In medieval Europe, fire arrows were a common feature in sieges and battles.

Construction

A typical fire arrow consists of a standard arrow with a flammable material, such as cloth soaked in oil or pitch, attached to the shaft near the arrowhead. The material is ignited just before the arrow is shot. Some designs included a small container of flammable liquid that would break upon impact, spreading the fire.

Usage

Fire arrows were primarily used to:

• Set fire to wooden structures, such as fortifications, siege engines, and ships.
• Create panic and disorder among enemy troops.
• Destroy supplies and equipment.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of fire arrows depended on several factors, including the type of flammable material used, the weather conditions, and the target's susceptibility to fire. While they could be highly effective in certain situations, their use required skill and timing to ensure the fire did not extinguish before reaching the target.

Related Weapons

Fire arrows are part of a broader category of incendiary weapons, which also includes:

• Greek fire
• Fire pot
• Flaming ballista bolt

See Also

• Bow (weapon)
• Arrow
• Incendiary device
• Siege warfare
• Ancient Chinese military technology