Self-defense has always been an essential skill that people should learn to survive. In ancient times, people turned to different weapons to protect themselves from harm, whether from wild animals or people. This situation is how people started using crossbows and arbalest. People started using crossbows and arbalests in the war scene in Europe during the Middle Ages. Both weapons were improved versions of the traditional bow and arrow, and soldiers used both of the weapons during the war to protect their colony. Both weapons have relative usability, and they are equally deadly munitions. The concept of using it is so simple that even untrained individuals can operate it. However, these weapons have their differences, even if they seem to work the same way. Read on to know each weapon’s purpose, strength, and differences.