• I am assuming at this point that everyone has seen "Lars Anderson: A New Level Of Archery" on Youtube (For those who haven't, youtube him!) *

*EDIT: This is not so much a discussion of the video. It piqued my curiosity in areas of archery as I am more than familiar with the English Longbow. This is mainly about the strength of bows/archery before Medieval times and the tactical usage of archers in battle.

Watching this youtube clip he makes claims about the different historical methods of shooting arrows and how certain methods are 'better' or more effective than others.

Yet he never gives any credence to the draw weight or the actual tactical usage of archers by the armies of each period. It's a lot of trick shots and jumping around with a light draw bow demonstrating what is feasibly possible instead of actually what was applied in battle.

I am therefore curious as to whether there is information on the draw weights on archery bows throughout history and the tactical application of archers in armies throughout history?

I am talking along the lines of for example (In case my phrasing is poor!)

"Ancient Egyptians used a very light draw bow and archers were primarily individuals who would skirmish ahead of the main force"

or

"English longbowmen were regimented into solid blocks of men who would fire volley fire en masse at the enemy".

(Any suggestions of literature to read would be greatly appreciated.)