The earliest known crossbows were invented in the first millennium BC, not later than the 7th century BC in ancient China, not later than the 4th century BC in Greece (as the gastraphetes).

Did the Vikings have crossbows?

The bows were hunting weapons, and it seems like the peasants in Sweden started replacing their bows with crossbows in the late 14th century. ... That said, the vikings used longbow (although not quite as hard as English or Welsh longbows) style bows and could be quite skilled with them - most men could hunt with a bow.

Did the Romans use crossbows?

Crossbows were also used in the West. They were known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and by medieval times in Europe, the crossbow had evolved into a powerful weapon capable of penetrating armor.