The medieval time period within European countries is certainly largely responsible for shaping key modern developments which have proven vital to Europe's identity even in today's world. Art, literature and music all benefited from pivotal changes which famously influenced cultures across the continent. Likewise so did the world-class technologies which included adjustments to designs in the weaponry which was customary at the time. Short and sharp Romanesque daggers became sleeker, but still retained their slender appealing shape. Moreover not only did they keep but they heightened the quality of the handling of the sword, making it more lightweight and as a result swifter and therefore far more lethal. Nevertheless, these changes still did not compromise the popularity of this particular sword, but instead transformed it into the latest advancement in hand held weaponry.
Our fascination with weaponry has indeed continued and perhaps even increased since. How many people out there are always searching for twentieth-century weapons and defense mechanisms, such as machine guns, gas masks, grenades and tanks? Of course these are far easier to get hold of than items from far and distant centuries. This has meant that old weapons have become highly collectible pieces, and moreover it could actually make some of them quite valuable. So why do we have such an obsession with weapons? And why are we so keen on medieval weapons in particular? I thought I'd spend some time considering some of the possible answers to these questions.
Throughout history mankind's survival has depended on its ability to defend itself. Whether this has been shielding ourselves from the harsh elements, other animals or indeed other people, the nature of the world we live in has conditioned us to develop ways of protecting ourselves from attack. Alongside this, our need to sustain ourselves and therefore hunt, find shelter and protect our offspring has compelled us to compete with fellow animals for the safest places to stay, most lucrative places to find food, and indeed defend our young by whatever means possible from hungry predators and aggressive neighbors. Arguably our first weapon was our own skills in fighting, including basic punching, scratching, biting, and the like. But soon man turned towards items which would have been at his disposal at the time to help him firstly defend himself, and secondly attack his opponent. While this would have begun with rocks and sticks, it eventually developed to using sharp objects and even fire to inflict as much pain and cause as much damage as possible.
Once we became sophisticated enough to see the value in sharpening rocks and stones, it was only a matter of time before the basic sword took shape. Starting with heavy wooden swords, which were clunky and difficult to handle, over the centuries and the development and widespread use of metalwork, swords were able to become more efficient, as they were now lighter, sharper and more durable. Although this was the case for a while before the medieval period, it was then, with its numerous battles across the continent, that skills in sword fighting became highly important and therefore popular. It is for this reason that sleek and attractive swords have become associated with medieval times, and likewise the vibrant and complex history of the time has made medieval weaponry, especially swords, such popular collectibles today.
Christopher JG is a weapons enthusiast who has established an impressive collection of swords and daggers. His passion has lead to the impressive range of medieval sword available at mymedievalweaponstore.com
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