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.

Proud Music of the Storm - Walt Whitman (1819-1892)

Read "Proud Music of the Storm," by Walt Whitman.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

CSS Info neue Adresse!

...Crossing Swords Solingen e.V.       ..   Seit dem 22..

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Queen of Swords Diary-- "Vengeance", Page 1

INDEX | BIOGRAPHY | ACTING RESUME |FIGHT DIRECTOR RESUME PHOTO GALLERY | VIDEOS & CLASSES | NEWS | CONTACT Behind The Scenes And on The Set With Anthony De Longis "Vengeance" "Vengeance" ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

The Village Voice: Nation: Nat Hentoff: Crossing Swords With General..

...Hotels.. nation.. Nat Hentoff..Crossing Swords With General Ashcroft..Where Is Our..

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Post-Crescent - UW, Legislature crossing swords

Today's Front page PRINT THIS STORY Posted May 31, 2005 UW, Legislature crossing swords. System requests money as lawmakers cut back...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Frames1

Visit the link for details.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

American Political Science Review: Crossing Swords: Politics and Relig

... free.) Crossing Swords: Politics and Religion in Mexico.(Review) (book reviews) American Political Science Review, December, 1999 by Smith, Brian H. Content provided in partnership with ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Animal Crossing GameCube game

Animal Crossing GameCube game Animal Crossing GameCube game, Low prices on GameCube Video Games, you can find deals on new and used video games at our site. Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Ken Reed: Crossing Swords

... London. The previous article can be found on the Archive page Home" Curriculum Vitae" Recreating History" Historic Dance" Crossing Swords" Archive Please send comments to us through our ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Yahoo! Groups

Yahoo! Groups - Free, easy email groups

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]