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.

Decorative Price

Here we sell quality Swords, Daggers, Katanas, Samurai Swords, and many other decorative and useful blades and armor. ... Dagger blade has decorative design. Pommel is enhanched with blue ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Maxam® ''Black Beard Short Sword''

... Maxam® ''Black Beard Short Sword''. The complex design artwork on the sheath could represent the high seas ... Includes a chain hanging from the decorative sheath for easy display. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

If Love Were Only Part of the Equation--Chapter Nine

... speak, but her hand stayed near the hilt of her sword, and her eyes never left Jessica or Luna. Mia ... without compromising Mias tiny frame. The short, decorative sleeves fell off her ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Stefan's Florilegium

... Sew them together with sewing thread with the end to the outside to make a short, decorative fringe. Make long strands between the pieces -- 6 inches of yarn ends at each end to be ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Decorative

Here we sell quality Swords, Daggers, Katanas, Samurai Swords, and many other decorative and useful blades and armor. ... Decorative Adam & Eve Set (2) in Wood Box 26" OA ... New ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Bast- Egyptian Short Sword Special Edition - United Cutlery UC1297LTD

... Browse for more products in the same category as this item: Historic / Civil War Swords Decorative Swords Bast- Egyptian Short Sword Special Edition $89.95 All Swords 139 Northrop Pl. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japaneseswords4sale.Com

... ancient body armor full body armor movie replica swords american swords cane swords decorative short sword Sponsor Ads Custom prints and framed photos and artwork Specializing in all ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Ambrosia Software Web Board > poisoned/trapped

... I'm not really sure what factors into attacking doors (what weapon type, magic enhancements or the body of person swinging do), or what would be next best behind mace, (short sword or ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

High Quality Swords on Sale at www.AllSwords.com

Great deals on large selection of high quality swords. Selection includes Samurai Swords, Sword Canes, Licensed Film Swords and Historical Swords Replicas as well as many other swords. ... ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Scorcerers Short Sword

... Knives Military Sabers Lances Pocket Knives Books Enter Your Last Name Scorcerers Short Sword Maxam? Decorative Scorcerer?s Sword : Highly decorative Scorcerer?s Short Sword. 28 inches ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]