Swords have transformed throughout history. The unique styles and designs of swords around the globe vary significantly. Though many
medieval swords share common roots in the ancient world. Here we will explore the history of this all-time popular weapon – THE SWORD!
The Bronze Age
With the capability of working with metals improved, longer blades were manufactured resulting in the evolution of dagger into a sword. The bronze age medieval swords were primarily a stabbing weapon with a small leaf-shaped hilt. The design made the blades thick and narrow near the hilt. The blade was flattened out thereby becoming thinner prior to reaching its slender point. This resulted in a long, pointed and double-edged blade that remained tolerably strong.
The Iron Age
Around the 13th century, the iron
swords emerged. These were inferior in quality compared to bronze swords, but they were relatively easier to manufacture. Since they were made in mass quantities, it became an important asset of warfare. Iron swords were further advanced with the addition of carbon in the smelting procedure that made it much stronger and durable than a simple iron sword.
The Middle Ages
In the 11th-13th century, the sword has its first major transformation. The swords were both single and double-edged with added crossguards. These were primarily used as cutting weapons.
The Later Middle Ages
Between the 13th and 17th century, the straight swords were typically longer measuring between 3ft to 4’3”. These longswords featured the definitive, cruciform hilts with double-handed grips that were between 10-15 inches in length. The blade of longswords was double-edged and measured about 40-48 inches in length. In the battlefield, these swords were used for thrusting, cutting, and striking involving the use of all parts of the sword including the pommel and crossguards. Swordsmanship and a wide-ranging fascination with swords became highly popular in the medieval period especially with the development of martial arts. Medieval swords and their expert handlers were often eulogized in literature.
The Modern Era
After the late Middle Ages, the use of swords declined. The samurai was deprived of their privileges such as carrying long and short swords that were a sign of their class. With a very little market for swords, many bladesmiths had to look for another source of income. Though with the growing militarism, the war once again made swords essential as most of these were mass-produced in factories. Another blow came when the Americans banned the production of swords after the Japanese had lost the war. About 400,000 archaeologically and creatively thought-provoking swords lasted in the USA. The art of the Japanese sword had become almost extinct. Fortunately, in 1953, the manufacturing of swords became legal again and the dead sword tradition was revived. There are still many old experts alive who could teach the upcoming generation. A number of smiths are working hard in producing swords matching optimal beauty and quality.
The primitive swords take in several thousands of years of history dating back to 1600 BC from the Egyptians all the way to the present. Every culture through the ages carried some type of edged weapon for war and general use, amongst these, the sword has always gained a significant position. Today, many swords such as katana, wooden swords, rapier, short and long swords etc. are available, you can find many other types at
Swordsswords.com.
