Weapons
11 Samurai Swords
In feudal Japan there were many different swords used by samurai.
Roman Pilum Spear: An Ancient Javelin with Symbolic Meaning
The Roman pilum, a heavy javelin, was a prominent weapon of ancient Roman legions originating in Celtic culture around the…
Xyston: The Ancient Greek Spear Used by Alexander
The xyston was an effective long thrusting spear used in ancient Greece between 600 and 350 BC.
Sarissa: The Ancient Spear of the Greek Phalanxes
The sarissa spear first emerged in the Macedonian phalanx in the years 338--336 BC. It's conceivable that Philip II adopted…
Seven-Branched Sword: History and Origin
The Seven-Branched Sword may have been presented by the Korean kingdom of Baekje (18 BC to 660 AD) to Japan.
Hwando: The Iconic Korean Sword
The shape of the Hwando sword is similar to the Japanese katana sword.
Hwacha Weapon: One of the First Rocket Launchers in History
In the Battle of Haengju, 3400 Koreans and 40 hwacha weapons defeated 30,000 Japanese.
Sica Sword: An Ancient Weapon of Gladiators and Assassins
In Roman jurisprudence, the sica sword was considered a dishonorable weapon where strict distinctions were made in such matters.
Rondache: A Shield Where You Can Attach a Sword to It
The Rondache included a lightweight wooden frame with metal nails, overlays, and a central shield boss for reinforcement.
Yatagan Sword: The Most Fearful Sword of the Janissaries
A unique culture emerged with the skill of yatagan-wielding; when the owner of a yatagan, including a Janissary, faced a…
Chigiriki Weapon: A Weighing Tool Turned into a Weapon
In everyday life, the chigiriki with a chain weight attached was used to measure the weight of a carrying pole…
Tanbo: When Drumsticks Turned Into a Weapon
Many karate dojos employ wooden tanbo to provide unarmed training for their members.