Prior to the 20^th century, there were three major innovations in warfare that were great achievements in their time:

     The bow and arrow was first invented primary for hunting needs. People used the bow and arrow to hunt all kinds of game such as birds, deer, lions, etc. But they soon found out that the bow and arrow was also an effective weapon. A well-trained archer could fire an arrow with great precision and accuracy. This was especially important when fighting in the forests or jungles. Because there were many trees that provided much camouflage, a soldier could fire an arrow at his enemy without giving away his location. The bow and arrow became a superb weapon for guerilla warfare, which required hit and run tactics.

     The catapult was a remarkable weapon and well ahead of its time. Not only was it accurate, it could also fire flaming rocks, stones, or any form of shrapnel great distances. This was a major innovation because prior to the catapults' invention, the only known method of fighting was hand-to-hand combat. The only strategy needed in hand-to-hand combat was the ability to handle the weapon and use it correctly. With the invention of the catapult, strategy and battle tactics became necessary and brought warfare out of its primitive stages. Mathematics and calculations were needed in order to aim the catapult correctly. It was the first weapon which required thinking and careful planning.