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.

Weapons of a Knight

...the evolution of the medieval knight. Nevertheless, the medieval knight found the sword to be an effective weapon. Medieval swords usually were...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Knights and Weapons !

Knights and Weapons !

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

The Sword Armory - medieval swords and katana swords for the modern kn

... Castle. Welcome to the Sword Armory department of Wonders Never Cease Clem & Company store Armorer to the Modern Knights and Samurai of the world, with medieval swords and armor for ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Roman Swords, Greek Swords and Celtic Swords

Roman Swords, Greek Swords and Celtic Swords Designed by CasIberia, Ole Smokey, United Cutlery, Paul Chen and Marto. Beautiful pieces as well as fully-functional. Designed for display, ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Renaissance weapon- Swords, bladed weapons, renrenaissance clothing.

Renaissance Weapons Providing you only the finest in museum quality replica swords and renaissance clothing If you are a collector who is interested in fine collectibles, who's designs have ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Knights Edge Swords and Medieval Weapons

About Us. Rittersteel Medieval Swords. Rittersteel Samurai and Ninja Swords. Stage Steel Swords ... Valiant Arms® are trademarks of Knight Edge...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval Weapons | Medieval Swords | Medieval Armor

Quality medieval weapons and knight armor. Lord of the Rings swords and replica weaponry for reenactors and collectors ... Quality Replica Medieval Weapons, Armor, Swords ... Our medieval ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Buy Medieval weapons, swords, weapon replicas and more from NeeedMoreW

Specials Beer & Merchandise Weapon Replicas Functional Decorative Miniature Knight Specials Gifts Toys Rope Ladders Sport Net and Rope Pipes Pet Supplies Kangaroo Skin Erotic Hammocks About ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

medieval suit of armor distributor - wearable armour

...swords. ARMOR enthusiasts well served.....medieval knight suit of armor - wearable.....medieval armor : This site showcases the medieval knight armor  and battle armaments.....that of ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Battle Ready Swords, Katanas, Armor. Medieval Clothing, Medieval Weapo

... Battle Ready Medieval swords, Roman swords, Japanese swords, Chinese swords, Military swords, Fantasy and Movie ... such as medieval axes, medieval maces, and medieval ... 3/4 Size ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]