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Seax: shortsword, knife or dagger of varying sizes typical of the Germanic peoples of the Migration Period and the Early Middle Ages, especially the Saxons, whose name derives from the weapon. Small sword; Spadroon; Stiletto; Viking sword or Carolingian sword: early medieval spatha; Zweihänder: 1500–1600 Germany
The Romans regarded the sica as a distinctive Illyrian weapon. The principal melee weapon of the Illyrians was the Sica. [6] According to historian John Wilkes: [7] Although a short curved sword was used by several peoples around the Mediterranean the Romans regarded the sica as a distinct Illyrian weapon used by the stealthy 'assassin' (sicarius)
The English language terminology used in the classification of swords is imprecise and has varied widely over time. There is no historical dictionary for the universal names, classification, or terminology of swords; a sword was simply a single-edged or double-edged knife that grew incrementally longer and more complex with technological advances.
The cinquedea (/ ˌ tʃ ɪ ŋ k w ɪ ˈ d i. ə /, / ˌ tʃ ɪ ŋ k w ɪ ˈ d eɪ ə /) or cinqueda is a civilian short sword (or long dagger).It was developed in northern Italy and enjoyed a period of popularity during the Italian renaissance of the 15th and early 16th centuries.
Modern reconstruction of a Greek xiphos and scabbard. Actaeon holding a xiphos. Painted vase from Metaponto, c. 390–380 BC. The xiphos (Ancient Greek: ξίφος; plural xiphe, Ancient Greek: ξίφη [ksípʰɛː]) [1] is a double-edged, one-handed Iron Age straight shortsword used by the ancient Greeks.
By about 1770, English duelists enthusiastically adopted the pistol, and sword duels dwindled. [85] However, the custom of duelling with epées persisted well into the 20th century in France. Such modern duels were not fought to the death; the duellists' aim was instead merely to draw blood from the opponent's sword arm.
The formation of the English word "swordsman" is parallel to the Latin word gladiator, [1] a term for the professional fighters who fought against each other and a variety of other foes for the entertainment of spectators in the Roman Empire. The word gladiator itself comes from the Latin word gladius, which is a type of sword. [1]
Replica of a Swiss degen of the 15th century (blade length 63 cm (25 in)). The curved guard is inscribed with an invocation Maria hilf uns ("Mary help us"). After an original kept in the Historical Museum of Bern.