Guns during the Elizabethan period were the most advanced weapons known in the world. The most common weapons used were crossbows, longbows, warhammers, spears, early forms of guns, and cannons. With all this armament, Europeans also needed armor, such as chain mail and plate armor. Different types of weapons and different types of armor were a key component of warfare during the Elizabethan period in Europe. Long-range weapons were essential to European combat. The main long-range weapons used by Europeans in that period were the longbow and the crossbow. Each form of weapon had its unique advantages and their pejorative. The longbow (shown in figure 1) was the original form of ranged weapons. The term "bow" means that it is made of wood, iron or steel. The Welsh, who lived in England, were the first to use longbows. Longbows were 6-7 feet long and had a range of 250 yards, and still had the ability to pierce a knight's armor (Byam 12). A well-trained archer could shoot 10-12 arrows in a single minute. Despite these pros, the longbow also had many disadvantages. One disadvantage was that only experienced archers, who were expensive to train, could use a longbow. Another disadvantage was that it did not have a pre-loaded arrow (Edge 34). The crossbow (shown in figure 2) on the other hand was markedly different. The crossbow had a span of 2-3 feet and could kill a mounted knight with a single shot, thanks to good aim (Byam 30). Crossbows had pre-loaded projectiles, while the longbow did not, and the crossbow could be used by anyone as it required no skill. The crossbow however had a downside, it reloaded slowly due to a crank and was expensive. Crossbows were also used for other...... middle of paper ......n in his book “WEAPONS”, “Golding, or gilding, was sometimes used to embellish borders or bands of decorations and, in in some cases, entire suits of armor. In the 15th century, knights protected themselves with full armor” (Byam 41). His armor usually represented his class or authority. Each knight's coat of arms had a different personality ranging from different helmets to different metals to different emblems. During the Elizabethan period Europeans focused primarily on warfare. Warfare required long-range weapons to slow the approaching enemy, and short-range weapons were needed for combat. This era began the use of combustion and developed cannons and guns. Weapon advancements also lead to armor advancements, from chain mail to plate armor. During the Elizabethan period, various weapons and armor were needed for warfare.