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Why did the Catholic Church declare a ban on crossbows in the Middle Ages?
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This episode examines the controversial history of the crossbow in medieval Europe and the Catholic Church's attempts to ban its use. The crossbow, a powerful weapon capable of piercing armor, was seen as a threat to the established social order and the dominance of the knightly class. The Second Lateran Council in 1139 issued a decree banning the use of crossbows against fellow Christians, citing concerns about its deadly power and its potential to destabilize society. However, secular rulers often ignored the ban, recognizing the crossbow's military value, particularly in sieges and defensive warfare. The Church's ban, while largely ineffective, highlights the complex relationship between religion, warfare, and evolving military technology in the medieval period.
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