The Atlatl was an ancient type of Spear thrower, a 'throwing stick' used to throw a spear with greater propulsion towards the quarry. The Atlatl was used to propel throwing-spears or "darts" and used prior to the appearance of the bow and arrow. Essentially the Atlatl lengthens the length of the spear thrower's arm and with a loaded, spring-like, action can provide the benefit of greater force and distance over that of the hand thrown spear. The spears thrown from the Atlatl ranged between 4 - 5ft in length. The Atlatl had a range up to 500 feet and the power to inflict serious injuries with more speed, force, and accuracy than spears that were thrown by hand alone. The word 'Atlatl' derives from Aztec meaning a spear throwing stick device