The bow used for shooting arrows, is one of the most ancient of all weapons, but is characteristic of Asia rather than of Europe. In the Roman armies it was scarcely ever employed except by auxiliaries; and these auxiliaries, called sagittarii, were chiefly Cretans and Arabians. This image shows the usual form of the Grecian bow, which had a double curvature, consisting of two circular portions united by the handle. When not used the bow was put into a case which was made of leather, and sometimes ornamented. - Smith, 1873