What do we know about the ancient Cretan archers, who were famed mercenaries throughout the Mediterranean?

by CalmCalligrapher1933

I would be interested in descriptions that mention them, but particularly I would be interested in whether we know anything about their style of archery, the kind of equipment they were using (all the way from materials used and how it was made to the kind of decoration on them, etc.), perhaps some of their achievements and so forth.

By extension this can also include a discussion of the wider context where these archers emerged from, since if we get an idea of Mediterranean archery at the time, as well the religious and cultural beliefs of the Cretans at the time (or rather, over that time period), we can somewhat get an approximate idea of what could have been popular among these archers (both in terms of equipment, fighting style, beliefs, philosophy, etc).

A specific question could be: were they influenced by Egyptian, Assyrian or Persian archery, and if so, how and to what degree? Being mercenaries, who did they serve? I gather that they were present with Alexander and later also served the Romans.

Do we have any information about views and philosophy, ritual related to their archery, similar to how we have these in other cultures where archery is an important element (see the Turks, Mongols, Japanese, Chinese and others)?

DanKensington

Well. We've got one slight problem here: how much of the Cretan image is true...and how much of that is stereotype? More can always be said on this topic, and thus more answers are always welcome. For the meantime, OP, here are some previous threads for your consideration: