Archery has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. Evidence suggests that archery began in prehistoric times as a means of hunting and warfare. The earliest known use of archery was in Africa around 64,000 BC. Over time, archery spread from Africa to Asia, Europe and other parts of the world. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, archery was used by armies and for hunting. Skilled archers were highly valued warriors. The bow and arrow was also used in ancient Greece and Rome, as well as by many nomadic tribes. During the Middle Ages, archery continued to play an important role in warfare with the development of the longbow in England and Europe. Archery remained relevant through the Renaissance and into the early modern period before the widespread adoption of gunpowder weapons. However, archery has survived to the current day among hunters, as a recreational sport and for competition to the present day, with modern archers using a variety of bow styles.