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 B.C. The use of a bow and arrow for hunting and the sport of archery are hard to separate, if not impossible. Paintings of archers and stone arrowheads have been found in prehistoric caves in excavations throughout the world indicating that archery did not spread from one place to another but originated independently in various places. The bow and arrow was not only used in the quest for food but as a lethal weapon in warfare. Competition among these military archers is certainly the early beginnings of archery as a sport.
The first evidence that the bow and arrow were used for more than hunting can be found in King Tutankhamen's tomb of Egypt. Sketches depict the king in many hunting positions not only for economic necessity, but also for enjoyment. Archery contests are also described in Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. As well, an archery score has been found in a 13th century Turkish inscription that praises Sultan Mahmud Khan for his 1,215 consecutive arrow lengths.
The British Legacy.
The bow and arrow played a significant part in English history especially the longbow and is celebrated in folklore tales such as Robin Hood. Many notable English victories are credited to the English archers and their longbows. Such was the case when King Henry V defeated a French army five times as large with the accuracy of archers. The government encouraged the practice of archery. In the 12th century, a law was passed exonerating anyone who accidentally killed someone while practicing his skill. During King Henry VIII reign all men under the age of 60 were ordered to practice shooting the longbow.
The formation of the Toxophilite Society of London in 1781 provided for the beginning of the modern day sport of archery. The rules for scoring, the number of arrows to be shot and the distances for shooting were established.