Historically, archery has been used for hunting and combat. In modern times, it is mainly a competitive sport and recreational activity.
The date of appearance of the bow is not known with certainty. The use of the bow and arrow is well attested towards the end of the Upper Paleolithic.
The bow was the weapon of choice in the Levant, Anatolia and Egypt throughout the Neolithic period, mainly for hunting, while it was used for warfare in Europe as early as that period.
