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.

Home | e sword

Information and resources on e sword ... terza per diventare potenti ... contatto con l'universo di Deus Ex. Quale Broken Sword ti è piaciuto di più ... to buy Unf whit sword [i.e. fun ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Home | bay e sword

Information and resources on bay e sword ... WHOLESALE as you can get without buying a dozen at a time. Bay E Sword Resources ... trade, restore & appraise Japanese Sword" JAPANESE ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Motoyasu Togi Sword Polishing

Articles on sword polishing and choosing a sword polisher.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

BioWare

Videogames and animation for television and film. Developers of Baldur's Gate, MDK2, Tales of the Sword Coast, Shattered Steel, and Neverwinter Nights.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Downloads

Download historic Christian confessions and resources, topic notes and modules for e-Sword.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Sword Index

Collecting information relating to Japanese swords (Nihonto), including sword history, identification, care, glossaries, swordsmith profiles and translation aids for kanji inscriptions, a ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Equipping Ministries Foundation - developing software to equip and...

...www.e-sword.net/pocketpc/ WebEvents...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Sword Swallowing Resources

Site includes sword swallowers, the art and history of sword swallowing, swords, neon tubes, props, terms, lists, and other resources on sword swallowing.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

BaptistBoard.com: Theological Resources for e-Sword

... com » Christian FELLOWSHIP Forums (All Christians) » Computers & Website Forum » Theological Resources for e-Sword UBBFriend: Email this page to someone! Author Topic: Theological ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Sword Arts FAQ V2.9

Provides FAQ and information on Japanese sword arts including its orgins, contrasts with other martial arts, costs involved, and related issues.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]