They have become iconic in different historical periods…
Human history is a bloody long stretch of wars of all sizes. Among the many weapons, it seems that the sword has become the most prominent weapon, and there are even swords that have become symbols of different historical eras. Through this article, let’s take a look at those famous swords.
1. Sword of Khopesh
One of the most influential swords of the Bronze Age, the Egyptian Khopesh blade was hook-shaped with a sharp protruding edge. These sickle-shaped swords were very popular during the Bronze Age, and many believe they originated in the Middle East. During the reign of the New King, Khopesh blades became a popular weapon in the army because of their versatility and sharpness in close combat.
Not only that, the Khopesh blade is also very symbolic. They have appeared in countless ancient Egyptian sculptures, and even, many kings chose them as weapons to accompany them to the afterlife. One of them was the famous king Tutankhamun.
2. Sword Falcata
This blade became extremely famous in the hands of ancient Spanish warriors. The blade has a curved one-sided shape and is forged from extremely good steel. Its difference lies in the fact that it has two sharp edges near the tip of the sword and one sharp edge near the hilt – this design is intended to combine the two characteristics into one sword, so that the sword has both power and strength. the cutting power of an ax, while having the cutting power of a sword.
This sword became extremely popular during the reign of General Hannibal, and it is considered by many historians to be one of the key factors in helping him crush the Romans in the great battle of Cannae in 216 BC. .
3. Sword Ulfberht
In the early 8th century AD, the Vikings were a real nightmare for the coastal inhabitants of Europe, as they repeatedly attacked and looted villages and cities here. During those ravages, they and their Ulfberth swords spread all kinds of nightmares. This sword is famous for its high quality carbon-rich fired steel, thereby creating superiority in durability, toughness and sharpness.
The Ulfberht swords date to between 800 and 1000 AD, and many historians believe the sword came from the countries of the Middle East, while others suggest that they were forged in the Middle East. a city that is now part of Germany.
4. Great Sword Zweihaender
Considered the largest sword in human history, the Zweihaender was wielded by Swiss and German warriors. Zweihaender is a two-handed sword, it can be up to 1.8 m long and weigh from 1.4 to 6.4 kg. However, the largest swords are usually used only for ceremonial purposes.
On the battlefield, soldiers often use this sword against long weapons such as spears and spears. The users of this weapon – the Landsnechts army were granted many privileges. They have their own extremely high perks, and they are respected to the point of wearing a separate uniform. Although once very popular, Zweihaender was gradually replaced by easier-to-use spears.
5. The Katana . Sword
The image of a mighty warrior wielding the katana sword has become one of the immortal symbols of Japanese culture. For centuries in a row, this sword was considered the privilege and privilege of the Samurai, the noble warriors of Japan. Samurai were said to have the ability to split an opponent in two with a single blow of the sword. Both the blade and the slash are considered true works of art.
Perhaps the most famous katana is the Honjo Masamune, dating from the 13th-14th century AD, and crafted by the legendary blacksmith Goro Nyudo Masamune. This sword was in the possession of Honjo Shigenaga, then continued to be passed down through the generations before disappearing at the end of World War I. Despite many efforts in the search, the fate of this sword is still a mystery.
6. Roman gladiator sword
More prominent than any other weapon, this is the sword that built the great Roman empire. Along with the pilum spear and the scutum shield, this sword was one of the most popular weapons in the Roman conquest of the Mediterranean.
Although the design changed gradually over the years, the sword basically consisted of a pointed tip, a stiff body, and a sharp edge. Designed to be a piercing tool, this weapon proves to be extremely useful with a formation with a shield in front of it. Together with the pilum spear, this sword will pierce any enemy that is being stopped by the front shield. It was a deadly weapon when in the hands of Roman warriors, and many people think that it was the weapon that was involved in the most killings of people, until the advent of guns.