[Pregunta]

National Geographic published a story on the Iceman indicating that he died from a fatel arrow wound 5,300 years. How far back in time has use of bow and arrow been documented?

[RickJ]

That's an awesome story. I've seen that special several times.

There are cave paintings extant showing images of bow and arrow from 30,000 years ago.

There are "arrowheads" dated even older than that, but they could have been used for other than with a bow.

Here's a page of some good info on the subject:
Origin of the Bow

[NeedKarma]

Uh Rick, doesn't that approximate dating conflict with, you know, 'other stuff'? :)

[RickJ]

No, not at all. FYI, the Christians who are firm on the 6000 year old universe are a minority.

[GoldieMae]

But it wouldn't be the long bow. That is a relatively modern (i.e. medieval) invention, circa 1300.

[Pregunta]

Thank you Rick, I thought it was something like that. Needkarma mine was a serious question about paleontology and it would be much appreciated if individuals without a knowlagable answer would refrain from muddying the issue with sectarian supersticions.

[RickJ]

Thank you Rick, I thought it was something like that. Needkarma mine was a serious question about paleontology and it would be much appreciated if individuals without a knowlagable answer would refrain from muddying the issue with sectarian supersticions.

Blame me, not NeedKarma, Pregunta. :) You're welcome.