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.

Medieval Times - http://www.ninja-weapons.com/

Killing Weapon Large Ruby Stone Dragon's Claw Pommel Wicked Designs Big Swords Heavyweight Weapon Medieval Carvings Silver Wood Effect...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Mediaeval Sword - Virtual Museum

... The swords of this time evolved from the Teutonic swords in evidence in the ... section contains descriptions and photographs of medieval swords, predominately from private collections ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval Swords and Renaissance Clothing

We carry high quality Renaissance swords and clothing, battle-ready swords, decorative Medieval swords, armour, shields and other weaponry of the past and present. ... things that we offer: ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

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

... carry swords for sale and other medieval weapons that will stand up to the rigors of time - from ... Battle Ready Medieval swords, Roman swords, Japanese swords, Chinese swords ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Medieval Weaponry your online store with helmets, swords, armor and...

...are: Monday - Friday from 10AM - 6PM Central Time. ... Index: Click Here ... Acme Knives Swords Watches ... Medieval Weapons Swords Armor ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Mod Database Forum - Oblivion Idea- just an idea

... Its a mod that lets you live a realistic life in the medieval time when swords and bows where more then common in the land. You will no longer feel like you want to be there because you ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Samurai Swords

... years until 19th century. Shogun were the most powerful samurai who ruled Japan at the time. The medieval swords of Japan was typically a long, straight or slightly curved blade having ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

NetSword: The Internet Sword and Medieval Weapons Discussion Group

Discussion group for Medieval and Renaissance weapons of war as well as modern replicas of historical swords and other types of weapons. Additional...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Historical Weapons Medieval and Japanese Swords, Daggers, Armor

...and, in some cases, the patinas developed with time and use. ... Japanese & Oriental Swords Medieval Swords & Daggers Medieval Shields & Helmets...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Reincarnation and the Fear of Time"

... it? Are we afraid of time? These pages discuss the subject of reincarnation in the light of the christian doctrine and rebirth of culture and the duality of modern multicultural ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]