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.

VGLN.com - Sword of Mana

Preview of RPG from Square-Enix includes screenshots and opinions on gameplay.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Anime Oasis 4 March 25,26,27 2005

... Selling of Art in Artist Alley is --Perfectly Alright-- Dealers Room: Buy Anime, Swords, Music, etc. Main Events: The BIG Room. All the BIG stuff happens here. Video Game Room: Play ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Anime Test Drive - Revolutionary Girl Utena movie for sale

... Fantasy · Sci-Fi/Horror/Fantasy · Anime/Japanimation · Friendships · Japanimation (Anime) · Swords & Sorcery · Fantasy Worlds Runtime:50 Mins. Rated:Not Rated Format: Reg. Price:Pending ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Ninja Weapons, anime, knives, swords, ninja, sparring gear, health

...www.Ninja-Weapons.Com, anime, knives, swords, ninja, sparring gear, health products, weapons, blow guns, shuriken, collectibles, videos, books,

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Official Animerica

Viz Publications offers subscription details, FAQ and an extensive index of manga and anime titles in English. Check out the convention calendar.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Anime pictures swords and anime pik information

Anime pictures swords site Preview anime sites with lot of anime pictures swords swords pictures anime online Lot of anime videos, anime pictures swords matherials! only for you Features a ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Sundevil Anime :: Viewing profile

... 0.00 posts per day] Find all posts by Darius Alucard Location: Website: Occupation: Interests: Anime, swords, sci-fi/movie/comics props & costumes Contact Darius Alucard Email address: ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Anime in Black - Rurouni Kenshin

Learn about the character behind Kenshin, sword types and skills. Browse arc summaries, an episode list and summaries, glossary, and extensive battle guide.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Assorted Anime Tarot: Swords

... Card Name: of Swords AAT1: Anime: Characters: AAT2: Anime: Characters: [Tarot History] [Assorted Anime Tarot History] [FAQ] [Major Arcana] [Wands] [Cups] [Pentacles] [Tarot Spreads] ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Anime weapons swords for free

online for you Preview sites with lot of anime weapons swords rings anime web online Hot Milk, Ai ... Lot of videos, anime weapons swords matherials! Anime weapons swords only for you Best ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]