Perso-Parthian bow

The Perso-Parthian bow is a symmetric recurve composite bow made of ibex horn (or for low quality bows, ox horn); a variety of wood cores; gazelle, deer, or ox sinews; and usually hide glue. These bows are highly tensioned. The "arms" of the bow are supposed to cross each other. The finished bow is then covered by bark, fine leather, or in some cases shark skin and laminated to keep out moisture. Traditionally, ox tendons are considered inferior to wild game sinews since they have a higher fat content, leading to spoilage.

Perso-Parthian bows were in use as late as 1820s in Persia (ancient Iran). They were then replaced by muskets. Bow making technology improved, but the fundamentals remained the same for millennia.

Iranian people who migrated from Central Asia and Southern Europe and settled modern Iran, brought horse archery and improved composite bows to the Middle East. Aryan nomads such as Scythians, Sakas, and Sarmatians were skilled archers. Parthians, originally a Scythian tribe, were famed horse archers. Using Perso-Parthian bows, Parthians inflicted several devastating defeats on Romans, the first at the Battle of Carrhae.