Crossbows--the Great Equalizer of the Renaissance

Three Renaissance Crossbowmen take steady aim from behind light cover.

The crossbow of the Renaissance Era was able to penetrate most armour of the day at moderate ranges. While slower than bow fire, the added penetration power was considered a balanced trade off. But a newer more powerful weapon was in the wings and with the next technological advance would surpass both bow and crossbow-the matchlock musket.

These are plastic Warhammer figures from Games Workshop that I painted in the 1990's.