Combat sword: the road of valor through the centuries. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The sword has a fairly simple design: a long blade with a hilt, but swords have many shapes and uses. The sword is more convenient than the axe, which is one of its predecessors. The sword is adapted for delivering slashing and piercing blows, as well as for parrying enemy blows. Longer than a dagger and not as easily concealed in clothing, the sword is a noble weapon, a symbol of status, in many cultures. It was of particular significance, being at the same time a work of art, a family jewel, a symbol of war, justice, honor, and, of course, glory.

Sword structure

A sword usually consists of the following elements:

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f. Blade (sharpened part of the blade)
g. Point (piercing part)

There are many known variants of blade cross-section shapes. Typically, the shape of the blade depends on the purpose of the weapon, as well as on the desire to combine rigidity and lightness in the blade. The figure shows some double-edged (positions 1, 2) and single-edged (positions 3, 4) variants of blade shapes.

There are three main shapes of sword blades. Each of them has its own advantages:

The straight blade(s) are intended primarily for thrusting.
The blade, bent back towards the butt (b), causes a deep cut wound upon impact.
A blade curved forward toward the edge (c) is effective for slashing, especially when it has a flared and heavy top.

It is important to understand that the specialization of the sword on one type of blow did not make other types impossible - a thrust can be delivered with a saber, and a cutting blow with a sword.

When choosing a sword, civilians were guided mainly by fashion trends. The military tried to find the ideal blade, combining the same effectiveness in both chopping and piercing blows.

Africa and Middle East

In most of these regions the sword is a very common weapon, but in Africa it is rare and difficult to date. Most of the swords shown here ended up in Western museums and collectors thanks to travelers of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Double-edged sword, Gabon, West Africa. The thin blade is made of steel, the handle of the sword is wrapped in brass and copper wire.
Takouba, sword of the Tuareg tribe of the Sahara.
Flissa, sword of the Kabyle tribe, Morocco. Single-edged blade, decorated with engraving and inlaid with brass.
Cascara, a straight, double-edged sword of the Bagirmi people, Sahara. The style of this sword is close to Sudanese swords.
The double-edged sword of the East African Maasai. The blade has a rhombic cross-section; there is no guard.
Shotel, double-edged sword with a double curved blade, Ethiopia. The crescent shape of the sword is designed to strike an enemy behind his shield.
Sudanese sword with a characteristic straight, double-edged blade and cross-shaped guard.
Arab sword, XVIII century. The blade is probably of European origin. The silver hilt of the sword is covered with gold.
Arabic sword, Longola, Sudan. The double-edged steel blade is decorated with geometric patterns and the image of a crocodile. The hilt of the sword is made of ebony and ivory.

Near East

Kilic (klych), Türkiye. The example shown in the figure has a 15th-century blade and an 18th-century hilt. Often, at the top, the kilij blade has an elman - an expanded part with a straight blade.
Scimitar, classical form, Türkiye. A sword with a single-edged blade curved forward. The bone handle has a large pommel and there is no guard.
Scimitar with a silver handle. The blade is decorated with corals. Türkiye.
Saif, a curved saber with a distinctive pommel. It is found wherever the Arabs lived.
Checker, Caucasus. Circassian origin, widely used by Russian cavalry. the blade of this specimen is dated 1819, Persia.
Dagger, Caucasus. The dagger could reach the size of a short sword; one such example is presented here.
Shamshir, typical form. Persian with a curved blade and a characteristic handle.
Shamshir with a wavy blade, Persia. The steel handle is decorated with gold inlay.
18. Quaddara. Large dagger. The handle is made of horn. The blade is decorated with etching and gold checkering.

Indian subcontinent

The region of India and adjacent areas is rich in various types of swords. The best steel blades in the world with luxurious decorations were made in India. In some cases, it is difficult to give the correct name to some samples of blades, to determine the time and place of their manufacture, so a thorough study of them is still ahead. Dates shown apply to examples shown only.

Chora (Khyber), a heavy single-edged sword of the Afghan and Pashtun tribes. Afghanistan-Pakistan borderland.
. Sword with a curved blade and a hilt with a disc-shaped pommel, India. This specimen was discovered in Northern India, 17th century.
Tulwar (talwar) with a wide blade. Was the executioner's weapon. This specimen originates from Northern India, XVIII-XIX centuries.
Tulwar (talwar).Punjabi style steel handle with safety bail. Indore, India. End of the 18th century
, steel handle with gilding in the “Old Indian” style. Double-edged straight blade. Nepal. XVIII century
Khanda. The handle is made in the style of “Indian basket” with an appendage for gripping with both hands. Marathi people. XVIII century
Sucker pattah. The handle is made in the Indian basket style. Forward curved reinforced blade with one blade. Central India. XVIII century
South Indian sword. Steel handle, square wooden pommel. The blade is curved forward. Madras. XVI century
Sword from the temple of the Nayar people. Brass handle, double-edged steel blade. Thanjavur, South India. XVIII century
South Indian sword. Steel handle, double-edged wavy blade. Madras. XVIII century
. An Indian sword with a gauntlet - a steel guard that protected the hand up to the forearm. Decorated with engraving and gilding. Oudh (now Uttar Pradesh). XVIII century
Adyar katti is of typical shape. A short, heavy blade curved forward. The handle is made of silver. Coorg, South West India.
Zafar Takeh, India. Attribute of a ruler at audiences. The top of the handle is made in the shape of an armrest.
("stranger"). This name was used by the Indians for European blades with Indian handles. Shown here is a Maratha sword with a 17th century German blade.
Double-edged two-handed sword with hollow iron pommel. Central India. XVII century
Bark. The blade is curved forward, has one blade with a “pulled” apex. Nepal. XVIII century
. Long narrow blade. It was widespread in the 19th century. Nepal, around 1850
Kukri. Iron handle, elegant blade. Nepal, approximately 19th century.
Kukri. Was in service with the Indian Army in World War II. Manufactured by a contractor in North India. 1943
Ram dao. A sword used for animal sacrifice in Nepal and Northern India.

Far East

Tao. Sword of the Kachin tribe, Assam. The example shown shows the most common blade shape of many known in this region.
Dao (noklang). Two-handed sword, Khasi people, Assam. The hilt of the sword is iron, the trim is made of brass.
Dha. Single-edged sword, Myanmar. The cylindrical hilt of the sword is covered with white metal. Blade inlay with silver and copper.
Castanet. The sword has a carved wooden hilt and a steel safety guard. Decorated with silver and brass inlay. Sri Lanka.
Single-edged Chinese iron sword. The handle is a blade stalk wrapped in cord.
Talibon. Short sword of Filipino Christians. The hilt of the sword is made of wood and braided with reed.
Barong. Short sword of the Moro people, Philippines.
Mandau (parang ihlang). Sword of the Dayak headhunter tribe, Kalimantan.
Parang pandit. Sword of the Sea Dayak tribe, Southeast Asia. The sword has a single-edged, forward-curved blade.
Kampilan. Single-edged sword of the Moro and Sea Dayak tribes. The handle is made of wood and decorated with carvings.
Klewang. Sword from Sula Vesi Island, Indonesia. The sword has a single-edged blade. The handle is made of wood and decorated with carvings.

Europe of the Bronze and Early Iron Ages

The history of the European sword is a process not so much of improving the functionality of the blade as of changing it under the influence of fashion trends. Swords made of bronze and iron were replaced by steel ones, the design was adapted to new theories of combat, but no innovations led to a complete abandonment of the old forms.

Short sword. Central Europe, early Bronze Age. The blade and hilt of the sword are connected with a riveting.
Curved single-edged short sword, Sweden. 1600-1350 BC. The sword is made from a single piece of bronze.
Bronze sword from Homeric times, Greece. OK. 1300 BC This specimen was found in Mycenae.
Long solid bronze sword, one of the Baltic islands. 1200-1000 BC.
Late Bronze Age sword, Central Europe. 850-650 BC.
Iron sword, Hallstatt culture, Austria. 650-500 BC. The hilt of the sword is made of ivory and amber.
- iron sword of Greek hoplites (heavily armed infantry). Greece. Approximately VI century. BC.
Falcata - iron single-edged sword, Spain, around V-VI centuries. BC. Swords of this type were also used in classical Greece.
Iron blade of a sword, La Tène culture. Around the 6th century. BC. This specimen was found in Switzerland.
An iron sword. Aquileia, Italy. The hilt of the sword is made of bronze. Around the 3rd century. BC.
Gallic iron sword. Department of Aube, France. Anthropomorphic bronze handle. Around the 2nd century. BC.
Iron sword, Cumbria, England. The hilt of the sword is made of bronze and decorated with enamel. Around the 1st century.
Gladius. Iron Roman short sword. Beginning of the 1st century
Roman gladius of late type. Pompeii. The edges of the blade are parallel, the tip is shortened. End of the 1st century

Europe of the Middle Ages

Throughout the early Middle Ages, the sword was a very valuable weapon, especially in Northern Europe. Many Scandinavian swords have richly decorated handles, and x-ray examination has made it possible to establish the very high quality of their blades. However, the late medieval sword, despite its significant status as a knight's weapon, often has a conventional cruciform shape and a simple iron blade; Only the pommel of the sword gave the craftsmen some scope for imagination.

Early medieval swords were forged with wide blades designed to deliver a slashing blow. From the 13th century Narrow blades, also intended for stabbing, began to spread. It is assumed that this trend was caused by the increased use of armor, which was easier to penetrate with a piercing blow at the joints.

To improve the balance of the sword, a heavy pommel was attached to the end of the handle as a counterweight to the blade. The pommels had the most various forms, the most common of them:

Mushroom
In the form of a "teapot cover"
American walnut shape
Disc-shaped
Wheel shaped
Triangular
Fishtail
Pear-shaped

Viking sword (right), 10th century. The handle is wrapped in silver foil with an embossed “braided” design, which is shaded with copper and niello. The double-edged steel blade is wide and shallow. This sword was found in one of the Swedish lakes. Currently kept in the State Historical Museum in Stockholm.

Middle Ages

Many stories, epics, legends and inventions of people were created around the weapons of the Middle Ages. So the two-handed sword is shrouded in secrets and allegories. People have always had doubts about the huge size of the sword. After all, for combat, what is primarily important is not the size, but the efficiency and combat power of the weapon. Despite its size, the sword was a success and was very popular among warriors. But only strong, powerful warriors could use such a sword. The total weight of this specimen of the sword is about two kilograms, five hundred grams, the length is about a meter, and the handle is a quarter of a meter.

Historical facts

A two-handed sword of this type became widespread in battles of the Middle Ages in quite late times. All the warrior’s equipment consisted of metal armor and a shield for protection from enemy attacks, a sword and a spear. Gradually, craftsmen learned to cast metal weapons with better quality, and new types of swords appeared, compact in size and much more effective.

Such weapons were expensive; not every soldier could afford to purchase a sword. The sword was wielded by the most dexterous, brave, courageous and fairly wealthy warriors and guards. The experience of wielding a sword was passed on from father to son, constantly improving skills. The warrior had to have heroic strength, excellent reaction, and masterfully wield a sword.

The purpose of a two-handed sword

Due to its huge dimensions and heavy weight, only soldiers of heroic physique wielded a two-handed sword. In close battles they were very often used in the front ranks to break through the first ranks of the enemy. To deprive the shooters and soldiers with halberds coming behind them of the opportunity to strike. Since the dimensions of the sword required a certain free perimeter for the warrior to swing, close combat tactics had to be changed periodically. The soldiers were forced to constantly change their location; in the center of the battle, due to the large concentration of soldiers, it was very difficult for them to fight.

When conducting close combat, swords were used mainly to deliver a crushing blow and break through the enemy’s defenses. In battles in open areas, soldiers used a sword to strike their opponents from above and below in battle. The handle of the sword could be struck in the face of the enemy in maximum proximity to each other.

Design Features

There were several types two-handed swords:

At military ceremonies, for various rituals, as a gift for rich, noble people, large two-handed swords were most often used; the weight of each such specimen reached five kilograms. Some individual specimens were very often used as a special simulator for improving combat skills and hand training.
A two-handed sword for combat weighing about three and a half kilograms and had a length of about one meter and seventy centimeters. The length of the handle of such specimens was about half a meter and served as a balancer for the sword. The soldier, who was fluent in combat tactics and had excellent dexterity and dexterity, practically did not notice the size of the sword. For comparison, it is worth noting that total weight a one-handed sword was about one and a half kilograms.
A classic two-handed sword with a length from the floor to the soldier's shoulder, and a hilt from the wrist to the elbow.

Positive and negative qualities of the sword

If we consider the advantages of two-handed swords, we can highlight the most basic ones:

A warrior using this sword was protected around a fairly large perimeter;
Crushing slashes delivered with a two-handed sword are very difficult to parry;
The sword is universal in use.

It is worth paying attention to negative qualities:

The sword had to be held with both hands, therefore, the possibility of additional protection in the form of a shield was excluded.
The dimensions of the sword did not allow for fast movement, and heavy weight led to rapid fatigue of the warrior and, as a result, to low effectiveness in battle.

Types of two-handed swords

. Compact Scottish weapons, among the various examples of two-handed swords, are distinguished by their relatively small dimensions. The length of the blade was about one hundred and ten centimeters. Another important distinctive feature of this sample is the special design, thanks to which a warrior could pull any weapon out of the enemy’s hands. The small size of the sword allows it to be used most effectively in combat battles; it is rightfully considered the best example among two-handed swords.
Zweihander. This sample is distinguished by its enormous dimensions; the length of the sword reaches two meters. The design of the sword is very specific; the paired crosspiece (guard) serves as the boundary between the double-edged blade, the hilt and the unsharpened part of the sword. Such an instance was used in battle to crush the enemy armed with spears and halberds.
Flamberge. A type of two-handed sword with a special wave-shaped blade. Thanks to such an unusual design, the effectiveness of a soldier armed with such a sword in combat battles has increased many times over. A warrior wounded by such a blade took a long time to recover, the wounds healed very poorly. Many military leaders executed captured soldiers for wearing such a sword.

A little about other types of swords.

Cavalrymen often used the Estok sword to pierce through the enemy’s armor. The length of this specimen is one meter and thirty centimeters.
The next classic type of two-handed sword. “Espadon” is one hundred and eighty centimeters long. It has a crosspiece (guard) of two arms. The center of gravity of such a blade is shifted to the tip of the sword blade.
Sword "Katana". A Japanese copy of the sword, with a curved blade. Used by soldiers mainly in close combat, the length of the blade is about ninety centimeters, the handle is about thirty centimeters. Among the swords of this variety, there is a sample with a length of two hundred and twenty-five centimeters. The power of this sword allows you to cut a person into two parts with one blow.
Chinese two-handed sword "Dadao". A distinctive feature is a wide blade, curved, sharpened on one side. Such a sword found its use even during the war with Germany in the forties of the twentieth century. Soldiers used the sword in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy.

In one of the historical museums in Holland, a two-handed sword is exhibited, preserved in excellent condition to this day. This is a huge specimen with a length of two meters and fifteen centimeters and a weight of six kilograms and six hundred grams. Historians suggest that the sword was made in the fifteenth century in Germany. The sword was not used in military battles; it served as a festive attribute for various military holidays and ceremonies. When making the handle of the sword, oak was used as a material and decorated with a piece of goat skin.

In conclusion about the two-handed sword

Only real, mighty heroes, for whom the Russian land was famous since ancient times, could control such a powerful, impressive, terrifying-looking weapon. But effective weapon and not only our land can boast of brave warriors; in many foreign countries similar weapons were made, with different distinctive features. In the battles of the Middle Ages, this weapon witnessed numerous victories and defeats and brought a lot of joy and sorrow.

Virtuoso swordsmanship is implied not only in the ability to deliver crushing blows, but also in the dexterity, mobility and resourcefulness of a warrior.

Two-handed weapon in Skyrim it causes significant damage to enemies (or at least to allies). However, such one-time damage comes at the cost of lower attack speed, higher stamina consumption, and the absence of a shield. Two-handed weapons include two-handed swords, two-handed axes and hammers.

Two-handed swords

Range: 1 .3
Speed: 0 .7
Stun: 1.1

Average performance, that's it.

View	Name	Damage	Weight	Price	Creation
	Iron two-handed sword	15	16	50
	Steel two-handed sword	17	17	90	2 iron ingots, 3 leather strips, 4 steel ingots
	Orc two-handed sword	18	18	75	4 orichalcum ingots, 3 leather strips, 2 iron ingots
	Ancient Nord two-handed sword	17	18	35
	Dwemer two-handed sword	19	19	270	2 Dwarven metal ingots, 2 steel ingots, 3 leather strips, 2 iron ingots
	Nordic Hero's Greatsword	20	16	250	Not craftable. Can only be obtained from draugr
	Heavenly steel two-handed sword	20	17	140	Not craftable. Can be purchased from Yorlund Graymane at the Sky Forge.
	Elven two-handed sword	20	20	470	2 Refined Moonstones, 2 Iron Ingots, 3 Leather Strips, Mercury Ore Ingot
	Nordic two-handed sword	20	19	585
	Glass two-handed sword	21	22	820	2 refined malachites, 2 refined moonstones, 3 strips of leather
	Ebony two-handed sword	22	22	1440
	Stalhrim Greatsword	23	21	1970
	Daedric Greatsword	24	23	2500
	Dragon bone two-handed sword	25	27	2725	3 strips of leather, ebony ingot, 4 dragon bones

Two-handed axes and poleaxes

Range: 1 .3
Speed: 0 .7
Stun: 1.15

Here we have a higher stun rate, but more stamina is spent.

View	Name	Damage	Weight	Price	Creation
	Iron ax	16	20	55	4 iron ingots, 2 strips of leather
	Ancient Nord ax	18	22	28	Not craftable. Can only be obtained from draugr.
	Steel ax	18	21	100	iron ingot, 2 strips of leather, 4 steel ingots
	Orc ax	19	25	165	iron ingot, 2 strips of leather, 4 orichalcum ingots
	Dwemer ax	20	23	300	2 steel ingot, iron ingot, 2 leather strips, 2 Dwemer metal ingots
	Nord Hero's Ax	21	20	300	Can be crafted after completing a line of followers in the heavenly forge. Required: Ancient Nord axe, 3 steel ingots, 3 strips of leather.
	Heavenly Steel Ax	21	21	150	Not craftable. Celestial weapons can be purchased from Yorlund Greymane at the Celestial Forge.
	Nice ancient Nord ax	21	25	520	Not craftable. Can only be obtained from draugr.
	Elven ax	21	24	520	2 iron ingots, mercury ore ingot, 2 leather strips, 2 refined moonstones
	Nordic ax	21	23	650
	Glass ax	22	25	900	2 refined moonstones, 2 strips of leather, 2 refined malachite
	Ebony ax	23	26	1585	5 ebony ingots, 2 strips of leather
	Stalhrim Ax	24	25	2150
	Daedric ax	25	27	2750	5 ebony ingots, 2 strips of leather, Daedra heart
	Dragon bone ax	26	30	3000	2 strips of leather, 2 ebony ingots, 3 dragon bones

Two-handed hammers

Range: 1.3
Speed: 0.6
Stun: 1.25

The most powerful two-handed melee weapon, but the stamina consumption is the same and the speed is lower. A weapon for everyone.

View	Name	Damage	Weight	Price	Creation
	Iron War Hammer	18	24	60	4 iron ingots, 3 strips of leather
	Steel war hammer	20	25	110	iron ingot, 3 strips of leather, 4 steel ingots
	Orsk War Hammer	21	26	180	iron ingot, 3 strips of leather, 4 orichalcum ingots
	Dwemer War Hammer	22	27	325	2 steel ingots, iron ingot, 3 leather strips, 2 Dwemer metal ingots
	Elven War Hammer	23	28	565	2 iron ingots, mercury ore ingot, 3 leather strips, 2 refined moonstones
	Nordic Warhammer	23	27	700
	Glass War Hammer	24	29	985	3 refined malachites, 3 strips of leather, 2 refined moonstones
	Ebony Warhammer	25	30	1725	5 ebony ingots, 3 strips of leather
	Stalhrim Warhammer	26	29	2850
	Daedric War Hammer	27	31	4000	5 ebony ingots, 3 strips of leather, Daedra heart
	Dragon Bone War Hammer	28	33	4275	3 strips of leather, 2 ebony ingots, 3 dragon bones

Sword. Of course, it is the most famous and revered type of bladed weapon. For several thousand years, the sword not only faithfully served many generations of warriors, but also performed the most important symbolic functions. With the help of a sword, a warrior was knighted; it was necessarily one of the items used during the coronation of European crowned persons. The good old sword is still widely used in various military ceremonies and no one even thinks of replacing it with something more modern.

The sword is widely represented in the mythology of various peoples of the world. It can be found in Slavic epics, Scandinavian sagas, the Koran and the Bible. In Europe, the sword was a symbol of the status of its owner, distinguishing a noble person from a commoner or slave.

However, despite all the symbolism and romantic aura, the sword was primarily a melee weapon, the main function of which was to destroy the enemy in battle.

The medieval knight's sword resembled a Christian cross, the arms of the cross formed a right angle, although practical significance it didn't. Rather, it was a symbolic gesture that equated the knight's main weapon with the main attribute of Christianity. Before the knighting ceremony, the sword was kept in the church altar, purifying this murder weapon from filth. During the ritual itself, the sword was given to the warrior by the priest. Pieces of sacred relics were often placed in the hilts of combat swords.

Contrary to popular belief, the sword was not the most common weapon either in ancient times or in the Middle Ages. And there are several reasons for this. Firstly, a good fighting sword has always been expensive. High-quality metal was scarce and expensive. Making these weapons took a lot of time and required highly skilled blacksmiths. Secondly, swordsmanship is high level required many years hard training, learning to wield an ax or spear was much easier and faster. The future knight began to be trained from early childhood...

Various authors provide excellent cost data. combat sword. However, one thing is certain: its price was high. In the early Middle Ages, the price for an average blade was equal to the cost of four cows. An ordinary one-handed sword made by a famous master was even more expensive. The weapons of the highest nobility, made of Damascus steel and richly decorated, cost fabulous amounts of money.

This material will give the history of the development of the sword, from ancient times to the late Middle Ages. However, our story will mainly concern European weapons, because the topic of bladed weapons is too vast. But before moving on to a description of the main milestones in the development of the sword, a few words should be said about its design, as well as a classification of this weapon.

Anatomy of a sword: what the weapon consists of

A sword is a type of bladed weapon with a straight, double-edged blade, designed to deliver slashing, slashing and piercing blows. Blade takes most weapons, it may be more suitable for delivering slashing or, conversely, piercing blows.

For the classification of bladed weapons, the shape of the blade and the method of sharpening it are very important. If the blade has a bend, then such a weapon is usually classified as a saber. For example, the well-known Japanese katanas and wakizashi are two-handed sabers. Weapons with a straight blade and one-sided sharpening are classified as broadswords, cutlasses, grand messers, etc. Swords and rapiers are usually classified into separate groups.

Any sword consists of two parts: the blade and the hilt. The cutting part of the blade is the blade, and it ends with a tip. The blade may have a stiffening rib and a fuller, which makes the weapon lighter and gives it additional rigidity. The unsharpened part of the blade near the hilt is called the ricasso or heel.

The hilt of the sword consists of a guard, a hilt and a pommel or pommel. The guard protects the fighter’s hand from impacts against the enemy’s shield, and also prevents it from slipping after a blow. In addition, the cross can also be used to strike; it was actively used in some fencing techniques. The pommel is essential for proper balance of the sword and also prevents the weapon from slipping.

Another characteristic of a sword is the cross-section of the blade. It can be different: rhombic, lenticular, etc. Any sword has two tapers: according to the thickness of the blade and its length.

The center of gravity of the sword (balance point), as a rule, is located slightly above the guard. Although, this parameter can also change.

A few words should be said about such an important accessory as the sword scabbard - the case in which the weapon was stored and transported. Their top part is called the mouth, and the lower one is called the tip. Sword sheaths were made of wood, leather, and metal. They were attached to a belt, saddle, and clothing. By the way, contrary to popular belief, they did not wear a sword on their back because it was inconvenient.

The weight of the weapon varied within very wide limits: the short gladius sword weighed 700-750 grams, and the heavy two-handed sword weighed 5-6 kg. However, as a rule, a one-handed sword weighed no more than 1.5 kg.

Classification of fighting swords

Combat swords can be divided into several groups depending on the length of the blade, although such a classification is somewhat arbitrary. In accordance with this characteristic, the following groups of swords are distinguished:

A short sword with a blade length of approximately 60-70 cm;
A long sword with a blade from 70 to 90 cm. Such a weapon could be used by both foot and horse warriors;
Swords with a blade length above 90 cm. Most often, such weapons were used by cavalrymen, although there were exceptions - for example, the famous two-handed swords of the late Middle Ages.

According to the grip used, swords can be divided into one-handed, one-and-a-half and two-handed. The one-handed sword had dimensions, weight and balance that made it possible to fencing with one hand; in the second hand the fighter, as a rule, held a shield. A one-and-a-half or one-and-a-half-handed sword could be held with either one or two hands. It should be noted that this term was introduced by weapons experts only at the end of the 19th century; contemporaries did not call these swords that way. The bastard sword appeared in the late Middle Ages and was in use until the middle of the 16th century. A two-handed sword could only be held with two hands; such weapons became widespread after the advent of heavy plate and plate armor. The largest of the combat two-handed swords weighed up to 5-6 kg and dimensions exceeded 2 meters.

The most famous and popular classification of medieval swords was created by the English researcher Ewart Oakeshott. It is based on the shape and design of the weapon's blade. In addition, Oakeshott designed the designs for the crosspieces and pommels. Using these three characteristics, you can describe any medieval sword, bringing it to a convenient formula. Oakeshott's typology covers the period from 1050 to 1550.

Advantages and disadvantages of the sword

As mentioned above, learning to wield a sword with dignity was very difficult. This required many years of training, constant practice and excellent physical training. A sword is the weapon of a professional warrior who has dedicated his life to warfare. It has both serious advantages and significant disadvantages.

The sword is good for its versatility. They can stab, chop, cut, and repel enemy blows. It is suitable for both defensive and offensive battle. Strikes can be delivered not only with a blade, but also with a cross, and even a pommel. However, like any other universal tool, it performs each of its functions worse than a highly specialized tool. You can really stab with a sword, but a spear (at a long distance) or a dagger (at close range) will do it much better. And the ax is more suitable for chopping blows.

The combat sword is perfectly balanced and has a low center of gravity. Thanks to this, the sword is a maneuverable and fast weapon, it is easy to fencing with, you can quickly change the direction of attack, make feints, etc. However, such a design significantly reduces the “armor-piercing” capabilities of the sword: it is quite difficult to cut through even simple chain mail. And against plate or plate armor, the sword is generally ineffective. That is, against an armored enemy, practically only piercing blows can be used.

The undoubted advantages of the sword include its relatively small sizes. This weapon could be carried with you at all times and, if necessary, instantly used.

As mentioned above, making a sword was a very complex and time-consuming process. It required high qualifications from the master. Medieval sword- this is not just a strip of forged iron, but a complex composite product, usually consisting of several parts of steel with different characteristics. Therefore, mass production of swords was established only in the late Middle Ages.

The Birth of the Sword: Ancient Times and Antiquity

We don't know when or where the first sword appeared. It is likely that this happened after man learned to make bronze. The oldest sword was found on the territory of our country, during excavations of a tomb in Adygea. A bronze short sword found there dates back to the fourth millennium BC. It is currently on display in the Hermitage.

Bronze - pretty durable material, allowing you to make swords of a decent size. This metal cannot be hardened, but under severe loads it bends without breaking. To reduce the likelihood of deformation, bronze swords often had impressive stiffening ribs. It should also be noted that bronze is highly resistant to corrosion, thanks to which we today have the opportunity to examine authentic ancient swords that have come down to us in fairly good condition.

Bronze weapons were made by casting, so they could be given the most complex and intricate shapes. As a rule, the blade length of bronze swords did not exceed 60 cm, but examples of more impressive sizes are known. For example, during excavations in Crete, archaeologists discovered swords with a meter-long blade. Scientists believe that this large sword was probably used for ritual purposes.

The most famous blades Ancient world are the Egyptian khopesh, the Greek makhaira and kopis. It should be noted that due to the one-sided sharpening and curved shape of the blade, according to the modern classification, all of them do not belong to swords, but are rather cutlasses or sabers.

Around the 7th century, swords began to be made from iron, and this revolutionary technology spread very quickly in Europe and the Middle East. The most famous iron swords of Antiquity were the Greek xiphos, the Scythian akinak and, of course, the Roman gladius and spatha. It is curious, but already in the 4th century, swordsmiths knew the basic “secrets” of sword production, which would remain relevant until the end of the Middle Ages: making a blade from a package of steel and iron plates, welding steel blade plates onto a soft iron base and carburizing a soft iron blank.

Xiphos is a short sword with a characteristic leaf-shaped blade. At first, they were armed with hoplite infantrymen, and later with soldiers of the famous Macedonian phalanx.

Another famous iron sword of Antiquity is the akinak. The Persians were the first to use it; the akinak was borrowed from them by the Scythians, Medes, Massagetae and other peoples. Akinak is a short sword with a characteristic crosshair and pommel. Later, a large sword (up to 130 cm) of a similar design was used by other inhabitants of the Northern Black Sea region - the Sarmatians.

However, the most famous blade of Antiquity is, without a doubt, the gladius. Without much pretense, we can say that with its help the huge Roman Empire was created. The gladius had a blade length of about 60 cm and a wide cutting edge, which made it possible to deliver powerful and accentuated piercing blows. This sword could also cut, but such blows were considered additional. One more distinctive feature The gladius had a massive pommel designed to better balance the weapon. The short stabbing blows of the gladius in the closed Roman formation were truly deadly.

Another Roman sword, the cavalry spatha, had an even greater influence on the further evolution of bladed weapons. In fact, this sword was invented by the Celts, the Romans simply borrowed it. This large sword was much better suited for arming horsemen than the “short” gladius. It is curious that at first the spatha did not have an edge, that is, it could only be used to chop, but later this defect was corrected, and the sword gained versatility. For our story, the spatha is very important, because it was from it that the Merovingian-type sword originated, and therefore all subsequent European blades.

Middle Ages: from the Roman spatha to the knight's sword

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe plunged into dark times for several centuries. They were accompanied by the decline of crafts and the loss of many skills and technologies. The tactics of warfare itself were simplified; the Roman legions welded together with iron discipline were replaced by numerous barbarian hordes. The continent plunged into chaos of fragmentation and internecine wars...

For several centuries in a row, armor was almost not used in Europe; only the richest warriors could afford chain mail or plate armor. The situation was similar with the spread of bladed weapons - the sword from the weapon of an ordinary infantryman or horseman turned into an expensive and status item that few could afford.

In the 8th century, the Merovingian sword, which is a further development of the Roman spatha, became widespread in Europe. It got its name in honor of the French royal Merovingian dynasty. It was a weapon designed primarily for slashing. The Merovingian sword had a blade from 60 to 80 cm long, a thick and short crosspiece and a massive pommel. The blade practically did not taper to the tip, which had a flat or rounded shape. A wide and shallow valley stretched along the entire length of the blade, making the weapon lighter. If the legendary King Arthur really existed - which is still debated by historians - then his famous Excalibur should have looked like this.

At the beginning of the 9th century, the “Merovingians” began to be supplanted by the Carolingian type sword, which is often called the Viking sword. Although, these swords were produced mainly on the continent, and they came to the Scandinavian lands as goods or military booty. The Viking sword is similar to the Merovingian, but it is more graceful and thin, due to which it has better balance. The Carolingian sword has a better-defined edge, making it convenient for piercing blows. It can also be added that at the turn of the first and second millennium, metallurgy and metalworking made great progress. Steel became better and its quantity increased significantly, although swords were still expensive and relatively rare weapons.

Starting from the second half of the 11th century, the Carolingian sword gradually turned into a Romanesque or knightly sword. This metamorphosis is associated with changes in the protective equipment of the warriors of the era - the increasing spread of chain mail and plate armor. It was quite problematic to break through such protection with a slashing blow, so a weapon was needed that could effectively stab.

In fact, the Romanesque sword is a huge group of bladed weapons that was in use during the high and late Middle Ages. Compared to the Merovingian sword, the Romanesque sword had a longer and narrower blade with a narrow and deep fuller, noticeably tapering towards the tip. The handle of the weapon also becomes longer, and the size of the pommel decreases. Romanesque swords have a developed hilt, which provided reliable protection for the fighter’s hand - an indisputable sign of the development of the art of fencing of that era. In fact, the variety of swords of the Romanesque group is enormous: weapons of different periods differed in the shape and size of the blade, hilt, and pommel.

The Age of Giants: from the bastard to the flaming flamberge

From about the middle of the 13th century, plate armor became a ubiquitous form protective equipment warrior. This led to a further change in the Romanesque sword: it became narrower, the blade received additional stiffening ribs and an even more pronounced tip. By the 14th century, the development of metallurgy and blacksmithing made it possible to turn the sword into a weapon accessible even to ordinary infantrymen. For example, during the Hundred Years' War, a sword of not very high quality cost only a few pence, which was equal to the daily earnings of an archer.

At the same time, the development of armor made it possible to significantly reduce the shield, or even abandon it altogether. Accordingly, now the sword could be taken with both hands and delivered a stronger and more accentuated blow. This is how the bastard sword appeared. Contemporaries called it a “long or combat sword” (war sword), implying that weapons of such length and weight were not carried with them just like that, but were taken exclusively to war. The bastard sword also had another name - “bastard”. The length of this weapon could reach 1.1 meters, and the weight - 2.5 kg, although in most cases the bastard sword weighed about 1.5 kg.

In the 13th century, a two-handed sword appeared on European battlefields, which can be called a real giant among bladed weapons. Its length reached two meters, and its weight could exceed five kilograms. This great sword was used exclusively by infantry, their main purpose being a devastating slash. For similar weapons they did not make a sheath, and wore it on the shoulder, like a spear or pike.

The most famous two-handed swords are the claymore, zweihander, spandrel and flamberge, which is also called a flaming or curved two-handed sword.

Claymore. Translated from Gaelic, this name means “great sword”. Although, of all the two-handed swords, it is considered the smallest. The length of the claymore ranges from 135 to 150 cm, and its weight is 2.5-3 kg. The feature of the sword is characteristic shape crosspieces with arches directed towards the tip of the blade. The claymore, along with the kilt and broadsword, is considered one of the most recognizable symbols of Scotland.

Slasher. This is another great two-handed sword that is considered a "classic" of this type of weapon. Its length could reach 1.8 m, and its weight ranged from 3 to 5 kg. The most popular espadon was in Switzerland and Germany. A special feature of this sword was its pronounced ricasso, which was often covered with leather or fabric. In combat, this part was used for additional grip on the blade.

Zweihander. Famous sword German mercenaries - Landsknechts. They were armed with the most experienced and powerful warriors who received double pay - doppelsoldners. The length of this sword could reach two meters and weight – 5 kg. It had a wide blade, almost a third of which was unsharpened ricasso. It was separated from the sharpened part by a small guard (“boar’s tusks”). Historians still argue about exactly how the zweihänder was used. According to some authors, it was used to cut the shafts of pikes, others believe that the sword was used against enemy horsemen. In any case, this great two-handed sword can be called a real symbol of the famous medieval mercenaries - the Landsknechts.

Flamberge. A wavy, flaming or curved two-handed sword, so called for the blade's characteristic "wavy" shape. Flamberge was especially popular in Germany and Switzerland in the 15th-17th centuries.

This sword was about 1.5 m long and weighed 3-3.5 kg. Like the Zweihander, it had a wide ricasso and an additional guard, but its main feature was the curves that covered up to two-thirds of the blade. The curved two-handed sword is a very successful and ingenious attempt by European gunsmiths to combine the main advantages of a sword and a saber in one weapon. The curved edges of the blade significantly enhanced the effect of a chopping blow, and their a large number of created a saw effect, inflicting terrible, non-healing wounds on the enemy. At the same time, the end of the blade remained straight, and the flamberge could be used to deliver piercing blows.

The curved two-handed sword was considered an “inhumane” weapon and was banned by the church. However, the German and Swiss mercenaries did not care much about this. True, warriors with such a sword should not have been captured; at best, they were killed immediately.

This great two-handed sword is still in service with the Vatican Guard.

Decline of the sword in Europe

In the 16th century, a gradual abandonment of heavy metal armor began. The reason for this was the widespread and significant improvement firearms. “Nomen certe novum” (“I see a new name”), said Francesco da Carpi, an eyewitness to the defeat of the French army at Pavia, about the arquebus. It can be added that in this battle the Spanish riflemen “carried out” the color of the French heavy cavalry...

At the same time bladed weapon becomes popular among the townspeople and soon turns into an integral part of the costume. The sword becomes lighter and gradually turns into a sword. However, this is another story, worthy of a separate story...

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