Re: Sagittarius and crossbow

[Brian Eric Farnell <bfarnell@xxxxxxx>]

Jorge Stolfi wrote:

> 
> I do recall reading, however, that the crossbow was forbidden
> by the Church in medieval times, soon after it was invented (or
> introduced to Europe) --- 

For what it's worth, the Church did forbid it's use, with the
exception that it could be used against Moslems.  Maybe that
would help localize the MS origins.  I would assume whoever
chose to draw a crossbow in the hands of the archer thought it
quite a normal type of bow.  Maybe the MS originated in the Holy
land.  The Templars, for instance, were often quite proficient
at Arabic and employed Arabic scribes.  That might explain the
Middle Eastern flavor to the script that accompanies the very
Western looking illustrations.  
Regards,
Brian