The Evolution of the Sword

By Liastul
  • 3300 BCE

    First Swords

    First Swords
    The oldest sword known to man was made in ~3300 BC, with copper/tin and copper/arsenic alloys. No source
  • 1700 BCE

    Mediterranean Swords

    Mediterranean Swords
    Bronze Age swords found in the Black Sea area and the Aegean, as an advancement to the dagger. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Age_sword
  • 500 BCE

    Rome

    Rome
    ~500 BC. Romans have begun a tradition of gladiator fighting and made a short sword called the Gladius, perfect for close quarters, one on one combat. No source
  • 300 BCE

    Medieval Times

    Medieval Times
    Around 300 BC, a Templar's favorite weapon was a long sword, used mostly for stabbing at medium range. https://prezi.com/phq4oh98fdxl/weapons-of-medieval-times-500-300bc/
  • 300 BCE

    Medieval Times

    Medieval Times
    A commonly used weapon was the Shortsword, used for close range hack and slash combat. https://prezi.com/phq4oh98fdxl/weapons-of-medieval-times-500-300bc/
  • 50

    More Rome!

    More Rome!
    A common Roman sidearm was the pugio, a small dagger usually about a foot long. Some that exist today still bear the names of long forgotten soldiers. https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/folk-art/antiquities/rare-ancient-roman-pugio-dagger-50-ad/id-f_3315682/
  • Jan 1, 800

    Vikings

    Vikings
    In the early Middle Ages, Vikings made very detailed and ornamented swords. They were amazing fighters as well! Image depicts the Sæbø, a runic sword found in the 9th century. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_sword
  • Jan 1, 1500

    Knightly Ages

    Knightly Ages
    In the late 1300's to 1500's, both thrusting/stabbing swords and slashing swords were used, mostly stabbing swords in Britain and slashing swords in Japan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knightly_sword
  • Jan 1, 1500

    Japan

    Japan
    At the same time as Britain and the Templars being the kings of thrusting swords, Japan was in their Kotō era of swordmaking, or older weapons from 800-1600. They made katanas and tachi. Tachi have the signature, or mei, showing outwards when the sword is worn, and they are generally lighter, more curved, and taper to a sharper point. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachi
  • Jan 1, 1500

    Assassin's Creed

    Assassin's Creed
    No, the signature Assassin's Creed daggers aren't real, but if they were they would be great tools for assassins to use! No source

  • Napoleon and the French

    Napoleon and the French
    The French were masters of making sabres, or very light and thin swords usually with very decorated hilts made for one handed fighting. Most sabres are quite elegant and beautiful weapons. http://www.militaryheritage.com/swords1.htm

  • Modern Day Swords

    Modern Day Swords
    Swords today are usually used for either ceremonial purposes, martial arts training, or for things such as preparing for a zombie apocalypse.