Many scholars regard the bow as a poor man’s weapon. In Greece, a bow and quiverful of arrows could cost 2/3 weeks wages but it was still half the price of a shield and spear!

Since Homer’s day bows made from yew have been regarded as the best, however only 5 bows can be made from one mature yew tree and it was claimed that one bow could take up to 10 years to make!

During the 3rd century BC a competition was held where a bow and quiver worth 15 drachmas was offered as first prize. This was at a time when a soldier’s wage was only 4 obols a day, and there were 6 obols in 1 drachma! So this represented approximately 3 weeks’ wages. Definitely a prize worth having!

A bow must have been quite prestigious to be offered as a prize. Although scholars (and some ancient writers) seem to look down on the bow, it took a lot of skill and training to become an effective archer.