4000 years of the Sword in Combat

Posted by Christopher Eger Aug 31, 2006

For thousands of years, swords instilled fear in those who beheld them. When soldiers wielded them while waging war, millions died. But millions more survived, eventually securing freedom for their homelands with their consummate martial skills. Nowadays, swords seldom terrify, having been rendered obsolete on the battlefield centuries ago. But they still elicit wonder and fascination in all who see them up close. Hand a sharpened and polished 3-foot-long steel blade to the average person you are guaranteed to get a reaction. The culture of combat through out the ages is that of a sword culture.

The first article covers an overview of the ancient swords of the bronze and iron age.

You can view the article here,

The second article is on the Roman Gladius sword.

You can view the article here,

The third installment in the series is on the Spatha and knights sword used by Romans and later by the mythical king Arthur as well as the very real Joan of Arc.

You can view the article here,

We will continue this series next week !