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.

Zorro and Son

Text copyright © 1997-2003 by Bill Cotter All Rights Reserved After the syndicated run of Zorro left the air in 1967, Disney lost interest in the caped adventurer. The Studio decided not to ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Zorro Sword from United Cutlery

Zorro Sword from United Cutlery. Movie swords from top manufacturers. All new items from Lord of the Rings, Blade, Blade 2, Gladiator, Scorpion King, Braveheart, A Knight's Tale, Dracula ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Zorro Sword with Hard Black Leather Sheath --- Item# 5-20-0055 -...

Zorro Sword with Hard Black Leather Sheath --- Item# 5-20-0055. Polished Silver Leaf Hand Guard Design...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Poetry in Z The Masked Musical of Zorro

Omar Khayyam The 11th century Persian astronomer and poet s classic works provide the golden thread of romance throughout "Z s" story of Zorro. Persian passion woven with gypsy magic ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Forbidden

Forbidden...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Sword of the Daywalker from the Movie "Blade"

Blade Movie Sword and Blade 2 weapons. Officially licensed swords and weapons from the movie "Blade and Blade 2". Made exclusively by Factory X.. Including all Glaives, Tactical Scabbard ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Silver Zorro Sword at Swords Online . com

... The Silver Zorro Sword is discontinued. ... limited edition version of the Mask of Zorro Sword is patterned after the actual prop sword used in the blockbuster ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

The Mask of Zorro Sword (Bright Blades)

...false edge) UC1145 - The Mask of Zorro Sword - DISCONTINUED.. UC1222 - The Mask of.....swords. The UC1222 24k Gold Mask of Zorro Sword is strictly limited to 1500.....The UC1145-AS ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

Zorro Sword : Spikey & Sparky's Party Shop

Zorro Sword Party Shop Description Plastic foil use with muskateer or zorro costume You are in the section : Costume Accessories Not quite what you were looking for? Why not try these! ...

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]

TeenHollywood.com: Antonio Banderas

"From Zorro to…. “Pussycat�? He is a sword wielding cat in Shrek, his first voice character role." Article by Lynn Barker.

[ Click To Open In A New Window ]