An arquebus is a form of long gun that appeared in Europe and the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century. An infantryman armed with an arquebus is called an arquebusier.

What is the origin of the word Harquebus?

The harquebus was invented in Spain in the mid-15th century. It was often fired from a support, against which the recoil was transferred from a hook on the gun. Its name seems to derive from German words meaning “hooked gun.” The bore varied, and its effective range was less than 650 feet (200 m).

Who used the Harquebus?

China. The arquebus was introduced to the Ming dynasty in the early 16th century and were used in small numbers to fight off pirates by 1548. There is, however, no exact date for its introduction and sources conflict on the time and manner in which it was introduced.