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Portuguese archer and, at left, a crossbowman, early 16th century

Portuguese archer and, at left, a crossbowman, early 16th century

Archers and crossbowmen were commonly found on ships and in the early overseas settlements of the first half of the 16th century. Such soldiers were most likely part of the early Portuguese forays into Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island. Museu de Arte Antiguo, Lisbon. (Photo Réné Chartrand)