History of the Sword

The evolution of the blade parallels humankind’s development of metallurgic technology. About 5000 years ago the Minoans developed metal-working technology, using primarily copper, gold and silver. The addition of tin to copper yielded a bronze alloy which was strong enough to make blades of reliable use.

By 4000 years ago, raiders of the Mediterranean, presumably from Russia, had developed double-edged weapons that could be used for cutting as well as stabbing. Because of the new stresses placed on blades used in this fashion, gradual advances were made in the shapes of the blade and tang to prevent the swords from essentially falling of their hilts during combat.

By about 2600 years ago the Assyrians controlled much of the middle-east, and their empire was founded on the ability to make blades of iron. European tribes at this time were also developing long iron swords, probably based on the Assyrian technology. By 2500 years ago, iron was used almost exclusively for edged weapons. The iron long sword ultimately proved to be too much even for the Roman Empire, and changed little from that time until the Middle Ages.

During the Middle Ages, swords became heavier and more ornamental. Because of the added weight of the sword, the quillon, or hand guard, was developed. This essentially prevented the hand from slipping off the handle and onto the blade itself. Through the Middle Ages, the quillon became more elaborate, sometimes forming a basket to protect the entire hand and making the sword nearly impossible to drop.

In the early Middle Ages, swords were the weapons of knights and nobility, to be used both from horseback and on foot. By the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, military tactics dictated the formation of large armies. Swords began to be issued to foot soldiers of all ranks to be used as their primary weapons. At this time, the traditional role of the knight began to evolve into the horsed cavalry, and their swords were used almost exclusively from horseback. Broadswords began to evolve into the modern saber.

The saber continued to be a weapon of use in warfare until World War I. Since that period, the new technologies developed in the American Civil War have advanced considerably, and the sword is now used primarily for decorative and formal purposes rather than combat.

Somewhat less is knows about the evolution of edged weapons in Asia prior to the Renaissance era, but beautifully ornamental swords and daggers from Asian regions have been dated back to the 1300’s. These include the Indian talwar, bhuj and bagh nakh; the more modern Indian Khanda; the Indonesian kris and mandau; and of course the daisho, haikuchi, hamidashi, kwaiken and nagamaki of Japan. The most historic of the swords of Japan is the tachi, the first samurai sword.

The SWORD Project

SWORD-based Projects. Windows Software. Macintosh Software. Linux Software. HandHeld/PDA Software. Other Software. SWORD Copyright Website. CD Ordering. Source Code. The SWORD Project for ...

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Swords and Ploughshares

Bi-annual journal of international affairs produced by the Graduate Student Council.

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New Page 1

... Originally Established 1791. Sword Cutlers. So. Railroad St ... The most prolific American sword makers over the longest period of time, the Ames factories turned out more models in ...

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American Sword Carriage #46

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Academy of the Sword

Directs scenes of action and combat anytime actors get together on stage. On faculty at San Francisco Opera, Marin Shakespeare Festival and American Musical Theatre/San Jose.

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American Sword Sources Available Through Antiqueweaponstore.com

American Sword sources.

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Sword Values

With the advent of the internet and Ebay sword prices marched to an all time inflated high in 2000. These prices will probably not be seen again

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Amazon.com: Books: American Sword, 1775 to 1945

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American Sword, 1775 to 1945 by Harold L. Peterson, ISBN: 0960309411..

American Sword, 1775 to 1945 by Harold L. Peterson<br> - Direct Textbook Price Comparison...

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Internet Sword Collectors Association

...by Harold Peterson The Original American Sword Bible! American Swords and Swordmakers.....Click to Order From AMAZON! The American Sword.....Mystery sword 6 deleted. Current Mystery ...

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