History of Weaponry

8/8/2019 History of Weaponry

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Since the beginning of time, man has

always sought to improve their

technology in the field of weaponry.



As seen in most caveman pictures, tools

were very primitive in the Stone Age. In

fact, prior to 2500 B.C., most tools were

made from stone. Early people first

thought of chipping hard stones, such as

flint, into a sharp point and using thesecrude weapons to "bring home the

bacon".



A few centuries later, "cave people"

revolutionized weaponry by strategicallylashing the ax or spearhead onto a handle. This

made hunting much less strenuous since the

weapons were now much easier to handle.

These weapons, combined with bravery,

cleverness, and brute strength, sufficed to

provide food for cavemen and their families.



Weapons soon began to take many various

forms asA

ustralians (especially the aboriginewarriors) used boomerangs and other missile

weapons in battle. "The simplicity of these

weapons is deceptive, for when used by skilled

throwers, they are just as effective as morecomplex hand weapons."



In different parts of the world, other cultures

were advancing in their war technology. In

Japan, warriors joined suits of impressive armor,

which were designed more to serve the purpose

of frightening their opponents in battle rather

than be practical for fighting in. A kris, a highlyornate sword with a wavy blade, was used in

ceremonies, but was also highly useful for battle

situations.



The Medieval Times are possibly the most

famous time period for war in history. When

else can you hear of gallant knights in shining

armor than 400 to 900 AD? But, as usual, reality

is much more harsh than any fairy tale. The

Knights of the Round Table were more likewalking magnets: their suits of armor, though

famous in battle, were nearly impossible for

allowing mobility.



Many peasant warriors wore a chain mail suit, which is abunch of links hooked together. These suits served well in

battle. Full suits of armor were most likely to be found onricher calvary men and consisted of multiple metal piecesthat fit together to create an almost impenetrable shield.The code of chivalry allowed for more "civilized fighting"and, despite popular belief, most arguments were worked

out through compromise. If any fighting actually tookplace, it was usually between a "champion" from eachside, or a small group of army men, rather than an entireregiment. Swords, as well as bows and arrows, were the

choice weapon for this time period.



What is next for weaponry technology? No one

knows what lies beyond the next century, but if

we have progressed from axes to A-bombs, you

can be sure that the story of weaponry has not

yet come to an end.

See:The New Technology of War







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History of Weaponry