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.

Japanese Samurai

...Swords.. copyright Peggy J. Murray.. But Samurai history had not yet ended. Many.....an exam. Decline and End of the Samurai History.. In full Samurai Armor.. copyright.....privileges. ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords

... " New 3rd Generation Samurai Swords with Dragon Heads! ... Samurai Swords. Samurai Sword History. The samurai sword, made from the heat and pounding of the skilled ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Oriental Swords

A selection of Japanese and Chinese Swords, along side examples of ornamental and functional blades of the Samurai period of Japan.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai

Any question, advice or opinion? Voice them in the forum! Samurai Archives The Place for all Japanese Samurai Warrior History.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Samurai Swords & Katanas

Asian Martial Arts

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Swords, Katanas and Military Sabers

... Site Map Site Search Ancient and medieval swords, military sabers, katanas and samurai swords, throughout history have been used, not just as weapons. We also use them to decorate our ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Archives Japanese History Page

Very detailed and in-depth page dedicated to the research of Japanese Samurai history, with details of the warriors, battles, and culture.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords at First Sightings

Samurai and ninja swords.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Japanese Samurai Swords

Collector seeks to assist owners of Samurai Swords to establish a fair value and terms to satisfy all

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Swords.com - -

...Check Out .. View .. Information.. Samurai History.. Samurai Terms.. William Marshal.....Our Guarantee.. Shipping Policy.. About Swords.com.. Contact.. Catalog.. - Scottish.....After ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]