Prehistoric Fiction Books with Archery

1. "Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel: Set during the Paleolithic era, this book follows Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon girl, who is taken in by a Neanderthal tribe. Archery and hunting are crucial skills in this prehistoric society.

2. "The Inheritors" by William Golding: This novel explores the interactions between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, and while not primarily focused on archery, hunting and survival skills, including the use of bows and arrows, are depicted.

3. "People of the Wolf" by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear: The first book in the "First North Americans" series, it is set during the Ice Age and features the adventures of a young hunter named Rumbler.

4. "The Plains of Passage" by Jean M. Auel: Part of the Earth's Children series, this book continues Ayla's journey, and her archery skills and ability to use the bow and arrow are highlighted.

5. "The Shelters of Stone" by Jean M. Auel: Another installment in the Earth's Children series, archery continues to be a significant aspect of Ayla's life as she navigates prehistoric times.

More books by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear:

1. "People of the Sea": Part of the "First North Americans" series, this book is set during the Archaic period and follows the story of Sees Far, a young woman who becomes a skilled archer and hunter.

2. "People of the River": This book is another installment in the "First North Americans" series, focusing on a prehistoric culture along the Mississippi River. Archery and hunting are vital skills for the characters in this book.

3. "People of the Lakes": Set in the Great Lakes region during the prehistoric era, this book features characters who rely on archery for hunting and sustenance.

4. "People of the Lightning": This novel is part of the "First North Americans" series and is set in the prehistoric Southeastern United States. Archery is showcased as an important aspect of survival and tribal life.

5. "People of the Owl": Set during the Late Woodland period in what is now West Virginia, this book follows the adventures of a young girl named Tslagi, who becomes skilled in archery as she tries to save her people.

6. "People of the Raven": The book is part of the "First North Americans" series and is set in the Pacific Northwest during the late Ice Age. Archery is used for hunting and in inter-tribal conflicts.

 

See Also

Historical Fiction Books with Archery

Fantasy Books with Archery

How were archers supplied with arrows during long wars?

During long wars, supplying archers with arrows was crucial for maintaining their effectiveness on the battlefield. Armies employed several strategies to ensure a steady and sufficient supply of arrows. Here are some of the methods they used:

1. Ammunition Carriers: Armies often employed specialized soldiers whose primary responsibility was to carry extra arrows into battle. These ammunition carriers, sometimes called "arrow boys" or "arrow runners," would bring fresh quivers of arrows to the archers during lulls in the fighting or as needed.

2. Supply Trains: Large armies would have supply trains that followed them during their campaigns. These supply trains carried various provisions, including arrowheads, shafts, and fletchings (feathers on the back of the arrow). When the archers ran low on arrows, they could requisition new supplies from the supply train.

3. Workshop Units: Some armies had mobile workshops or forges that accompanied them. These workshops were manned by skilled craftsmen who could repair damaged arrows or even produce new arrows during the campaign.

4. Local Production: Depending on the availability of resources, armies might set up temporary arrow-making facilities in captured territories or allied regions. They could use local materials and labor to produce arrows, reducing the burden on the main supply lines.

5. Looting: In some cases, soldiers might scavenge arrows from the battlefield, especially after a significant engagement. While scavenged arrows might not be of the same quality as professionally made ones, they could still be used in a pinch.

6. Conservation and Retrieval: Archers were trained to retrieve and reuse their arrows whenever possible. During lulls in the battle, they would collect arrows that had missed their targets and were still in good condition.

7. Allies and Trade: Armies might rely on their allies or trade partners to supply them with arrows, especially if they were operating in foreign lands where local resources were scarce.

8. Stockpiling: Before a long campaign or major battle, armies would stockpile arrows to ensure they had a significant reserve to draw upon when needed.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of these strategies varied depending on the time period and the resources available to the armies. As warfare evolved and technology advanced, different methods of resupplying archers emerged. However, regardless of the method, maintaining a consistent supply of arrows was essential for keeping archers effective on the battlefield.