10/02/2006

Labore et Virtute


Sword (from Old English sweord, cognate to Old High German Schwert, literally "wounding tool" from a Proto-Indo-European root *swer- "to wound, to hurt") is a term for a long edged weapon, fundamentally consisting of a blade, usually with two edges for striking and cutting, a point for thrusting, and a hilt for gripping. The basic intent and physics of swordsmanship remain fairly constant, but the actual techniques vary among cultures and periods as a result of the differences in blade design and purpose. The names given to many swords in mythology, literature, and history reflect the high prestige of the weapon (see list of swords).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

04/02/2006

Spatha


The Spatha is a type of straight sword, measuring between 75 and 100 cm, in use throughout the 1st millennium. Introduced in the Roman Empire in the 1st century as a cavalry weapon, the Spatha remained popular throughout the Migration period and the Viking Age, until it evolved into the knightly sword of the High Middle Ages from about 1100. Viking Age Spathas are also known as Viking swords.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia