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.

Mediaeval Sword

Mediaeval Sword Resource Site containing information about antique European swords and other medieval edged weapons from the Dark Ages, the Viking...

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eBay Barometer – Antiques, September 2004

eBay Barometer Antiques Top Tens September 2004

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The Viking Experience 7/2000

Home Authenticity Kit guides, clothing, tests, weapons etc. Education Museum & School Events Media Media events where we have been involved. Coining Information on coins & coin dies. Also ...

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Handmade Museum Quality Swords

Sword and armor recreations from the finest European museums and private collections. Exacting Re-creations of Significant Museum Originals...

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Norweigan Viking Swords

Translation of Jan Peterson's seminal study traces the evolution of the Viking sword through the tenth century.

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TherionArms - 'Practical' viking sword

'Practical' viking sword Measurements length: 35 3/4" blade: 29 7/8" blade width: 1 9/16" grip and ... 2 lb 4.2 oz The Paul Chen/Hanwei 'practical' Viking sword is tailored to the needs of ...

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Samurai 3000 Sword Collection by United Cutlery

Samurai 3000 Swords by United Cutlery The weapon of the future is here, brought to you through a portal in time by United Cutlery. All three pieces are available: Samurai 3000 Katana, ...

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Mediaeval Sword Resource Site

Information about and illustrations of European swords of the Dark Ages, including the Viking Age. Includes a virtual museum and a reader's forum.

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Godfred Damascus Viking Sword

...34 1/2"  1010-GT  Godfred Viking.. Damascus Viking Sword ..Qty: Price: $329.00.. This.....to the legendary Norse smiths.....Godfred Viking Sword with folded steel blade. Named.....Named ...

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The Viking Sword by Rittersteel

... Order Form Wholesale View Cart Medieval Pendants***NEW*** The Viking Chieftain Sword This Viking sword looks and feels so authentic in the hand that if you close your eyes you can ...

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