The atlatl may be one of the first compound weapons that is, a tool used to enhance human power. While the earliest archeological evidence is 25,000 years old, it is believed that atlatl has been in use for some 40,000 years.
The effectiveness of this weapon allowed early humans to hunt Ice Age mega-fauna such as the Mammoth and Wooly Rhino.
Eventually, the development of bow supplanted the atlatl as the weapon of choice because the bow was more compact, easier to carry and quieter. Also, with the mega-fauna gone through a likely combination of hunting and climate change, the smaller mammals did not require the penetrative power of the atlatl to bring down.
In the 16th Century, when the Spanish Conquistadors invaded Central America, the Aztecs re-adopted the atlatl (which is where we get the word from) because of its incredible power. They weren't able to compete against the Spaniard's firearms but many a Conquistador was surprised to have an armor-piercing dart pass completely through their steel breastplates; both front and back.
The Aztecs are all gone but a few cultures still use the atlatl. The aborigines of Australia call it a Woomera. Native Alaskans of the lower Yukon call it a Nuqaq.
Ancient technology survives in many strange ways. Atlatl sport is part of the current surge in recreational interest in “primitive skills.” It is easy to learn to throw with an atlatl, but difficult to become expert.
