Pre 25,000 BC

The discovery of the first stone arrowheads in Africa tends to indicate that the bow and arrow were invented there, maybe as early as 50,000 BC.
It was probably developed in conjunction with the invention of the spear thrower.
A short bow would be a better hunting weapon when used to stalk animals in wooded areas, rather than carry around long spears.
The shape of the earliest bows can only be guessed at, as broken or worn out bows would probably end up on the cooking fire, reshaped into different tools or just thrown away.

25,000 - 18,000 BC

Fire hardened points used on the arrows. Flint arrowheads shaped to a point and inserted into a slot and tied with sinew to the front of the arrow. Feathers were glued and tied with sinew to the arrow shafts.

18,000 - 9,000 BC

11,000 BC - In a burial tomb in San Teodoro Cave, Sicily, a skeleton was found with a fragment of a flint arrow head embedded in the pelvis.

Arrow shafts found in Germany are dated to approx. 9,000 BC.

9,000 - 6,000 BC

Bows are found in Denmark that date from approx. 8,000 - 6,000 BC.
These bows are one piece made from yew or elm and are 'tillered'. (Even amount of bend on top and bottom limbs.)

3,000 - 1,000 BC

2,800 BC - The 'Composite Bow' first appears. The Egyptians further developed this type of bow. Made from wood, tipped with animal horn and held together with animal sinew and glue. The unstrung bow resembled a 'C' shape and required two people to string it. The bowstrings were made from 'catgut' obtained and made from sheep's intestines.
The arrows were extremely light and when used with the composite bow, could be shot 366 metres ( 400 yards ) and the armour of the day was no protection against such weapons.
The Egyptians used archers on the back of light chariots. These were organised into highly trained units able to quickly out-flank an enemy army with devastating effect.

To read more on the history of archery please visit: http://www.centenaryarchers.gil.com.au/history.htm

History retrieved from: A Shot in Time - http://www.centenaryarchers.gil.com.au