Hi,

I've tried searching around for an answer to this on the sub-reddit but I can't seem to find it. Apologies if there is one out there!

I don't know why this popped into my head the other day but it did and I've just been curious about it ever since.

During the medieval period both in Europe and Asia. Generals made great use of archers during battles.

But when the battle 'proper' began and the two forces became engaged - what happened to the archers?

It seems odd that so many trained men would just be left to sit out the battle. Presumably they couldn't fire into the mass of men fighting (because they'd hit their own side). But it just seems so odd to have so many healthy men that could fight just standing around waiting to see if they'd be needed again.

So after the battle proper began. Did archers put down their bow and arrows and head into the fray? Did some enter and some wait back just in case they were needed to mow down some retreating force?

Cheers.