Wooden Crossbow Bolt from Hrodna: a Small Children’s Toy as Evidence of Significant Changes in Weaponry of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania

This article discusses the discovery of a wooden toy crossbow bolt, unearthed in 1987 during excavations at the Old Castle in Hrodna (Belarus). It is dated to the second half or the end of the 14th century. While the find offers valuable insights into medieval children’s games, it is also a significant piece of evidence for the widespread use of crossbows in the armament of the largest castle garrisons of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the late 14th to early 15th centuries.