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.

Ultima: Warriors of Destiny (NES) Game Genie codes - Video Game Strate

Game Genie codes for Ultima: Warriors of Destiny (NES).

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Short Sword

Rapper side from Minnesota, USA

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

www.bestpricebusters.com Short Swords

22" Dracula Short Sword $24.99 Chinese Dancing Ceremonial Sword $59.99 Roman Gladiator Short Sword $29.99 Demon Slayer Short Sword

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Oriental-Arms: Chinese Short Sword

Chinese Short Sword - 6209. We offer here for sale a very interesting and unusual Chinese short sword, probably early 20 C. The slightly curved blade is single edge, 15 inches long, with a ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Money is mightier than the Sword

Money is mightier than the Sword Money has always been a power center. When Rome dominated politics, it was also the wealthiest city. Kings and emperors were always the richest people in ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval History Question for March 17, 2001

Visit the link for details.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval Short Swords, Vaciacraft Swords, Swords by Imperial Weapons

VC-18 Dagesse Short Sword Only 2 left $ 180.00 Sale Price $ 153.00 New Sale Price $ 130.05 VC-21 Trojan Sword Discontinued...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

NetRangers

Offers short walkthrough.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Junglee Knives - Short Sword UK

...products....Junglee Knives - Short Sword.. The Junglee Short Sword has quickly.....Junglee Knives - Short Sword Model. Order on-line from Heinnie.....textured Kraton rubber grips, the ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Oriental-Arms: Heavy Chinese Short Sword

...Items.. Links..     .. Heavy Chinese Short Sword - 5823.. A heavy short sword probably..

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]