A ranged weapon invented at least 25,000 years ago (predating the bow and arrow by about 10,000 years) and still used by indigenous Australians. The atlatl is a stick about two feet long with a notched hook at one end. A large, flexible, feathered dart, at least two feet long, is placed into the notch. By flicking the atlatl forward quickly, the user is able to fling the dart with tremendous force -- skilled spear throwers have been clocked at almost 100 miles per hour.