[konidias]

Actually, bows and arrows weren't used that often in battle. More for hunting, the same with slings.

Neither were swords for that matter. I believe spears and axes were used most often.. although I could be wrong. Usually the warrior would have helmet, chainmail, a big circular shield that covered most of their body, and a spear. Perhaps even a guy to shield them while they attacked.

Bows and arrows were thought of as cowardly or something. They were mainly only used against Vikings...

However, JAVELINS were used often, and they could penetrate anything pretty much. There were even javelins made that had spikes on the end, that would make them harder to remove from whatever they struck. So if the javelin struck a guy's shield, it would weigh the shield down so that the person could no longer use it.

Also if a single javelin was thrown at someone, they could most likely catch it and throw it back. That's why they always threw many because you couldn't defend against it.