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.

Cosplay.com - Who comissions??

More pics will come as I am making a Hikaru sword, a Tessagia, and a Tidus Brotherhood sword (IT WILL BE CLEAR, TOO!!

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

I Promise...

Final Fantasy X Walkthrough. Zanarkand. You, the main character, Tidus, start off in your home land. You step outside of your door greeted by a few devoted fans. Walk over to them. ... ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

SMA 2002 Costumes: Final Fantasy X--TIDUS

Canadian cosplay group that specializes in Final Fantasy Cosplays

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

"lost all faith in the things i have achieved." _ o b l i v

... I'm on Tidus Pan. In one im conversation with vilaeth ... referring to Peter's sword as "The Brotherhood", and shouting things ... Or a thimble (kiss). Still making my Life ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

http://www.epigamer.com/articlefiles/txtwalkthrough s/ps2_final_fantas

... for a FAQ/ Walkthrough. You may know me for making a Story Mode FAQ/Walkthrough for WWF Smackdown ... or Monday. Stay tuned! - Added informations on Tidus's Overdrives and Auron's ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

http://www.ffshrine.org/ffx/ffx_walk.txt

... Bright Shield Cactuar Scope Harpoon Hunter's Sword Liquid Steel Pearl Armguard Pearl Armlet Power ... the story. The first part of Zanarkand is just Tidus going to the dome. Its just ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

IGN Boards - Secrets revealed!!!!

...speed and endurance while making him ... More secrets...um...has anyone noticed Yunas Warrior dress sphere comes with Tidus's brotherhood sword?

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

FFX Walkthrough

II. Outside, Wakka gives Tidus the Brotherhood, a new sword. Once Yuna arrives, the party leaves the village.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

LDiehl.com's Dreambook

...i was just wondering why in Final FantasyX does Tidus wear his fathers Sgn ... u already know that ^^ ) ow and thank you for making the...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

RPG Chat - Final Fantasy: Awakening of a New Evil

RPGCHAT is a site for roleplaying online and talking about RPG's.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]