The sword in Russia, and probably everywhere else, was held in high esteem. There are three known swords that are attributed to Russian princes. But the words of Alexander Nevsky: "Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword" Russian people will always remember. The sword is not just a Russian weapon, but a symbol of military power.
The name of Ilya Muromets is familiar to every Russian person from childhood from fairy tales and epics. In modern Russia, he is considered the patron saint of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Border Service, as well as all those whose profession is associated with military labor. Interestingly, in the late 1980s. scientists examined the relics. The results of this examination surprisingly coincided with the legends about this Russian hero. Based on the analysis of the remains, it was established that this man had a heroic build and had a height of 177 cm (in the XII century, a person with such growth was a head taller than those around him).
The sword, of course, is brand new, but it is not just a dummy sword. It is made by forging several layers of metal and corresponds in shape to the swords of that time.
On the Internet, you can find a variety of versions about this - from making it in Zlatoust to creating it in Kiev by Russian and Ukrainian craftsmen. It is interesting that in 2006, by order of one of the Moscow companies, master T. Antonevich made a second sword intended for the then and current President of Russia Putin. By the end of the 12th century, the average weight of swords increased to 2 kg. But that's average. What the hell?! The difference between the blade and the total length is about 140 cm. Who is this Ilya Muromets from the Shaolin Temple?
How much do you think a sword should weigh and how long should its blade be? In the mail that comes to editorial e-mail, the same question is often encountered. We have already mentioned the sword of Prince Svyatoslav in the article "History of the sword: Carolingian blow". In short, this is a Caroline type sword, very well preserved and rich in workmanship. In fact, there is no reason to attribute this sword to Svyatoslav. Yes, it is a very ornate sword. Yes, he is a contemporary of Svyatoslav.
Chapter "Dictionaries of Russian myths and fairy tales" 3. Dictionary of Russian mythical heroes
Prince Vsevolod Mstislavich was the grandson of Vladimir Monomakh and the nephew of Yuri Dolgoruky. All these events took place in the distant XII century. But the sword that is attributed to him is a one and a half-handed sword of the Gothic type. Quite a XIV century. Previously, this type of weapon simply did not exist!
With the sword of Prince Dovmont, not everything is simple either. He was expelled from the Baltic States, where he reigned and found a new home in Pskov. The legendary researcher and collector of swords, Ewart Oakeshott, points out that swords of the Gothic type were used as early as the end of the 13th century, but they entered widespread use precisely in the 14th century.
It is also believed that the sword of Prince Boris was hanging in the room of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. Of course, Alexander Nevsky had a sword, and, most likely, not even one. It may even be one of those swords that are in our museums, in storerooms or in display cases. Above is a transitional sword, from Carolingian to Romanesque. Below is a Romanesque sword. He has a long, thin guard that protects the warrior's hand, and a dol, which is noticeably shorter than the blade itself.
There is no doubt that the long Slavic sword is indispensable in the fight against the nimble steppe nomad. If you have read Russian epics, you should have noticed that the sword of a Russian hero was never raised for bravado, for the sake of gaining wealth or the throne.
Sword of the prince of Pskov Dovmont
What significance the sword had in Ancient Russia, you can read in the article of the same name by Oleg Agaev. The hilt and guard sticking out of the scabbard have always been decorated, even on the simplest swords. The blade was sometimes also decorated with drawings or magic signs. A longitudinal groove ran along the blade - a dol, which facilitated the blade of the sword and increased its maneuverability.
In addition, the 10th century was a period of brutal civil war in the Nordic countries, as a result of which many Vikings fled from their homeland and were hired to join the squads of Russian princes. So the Russian armourers of those times always had material for comparison and imitation. This is probably why the swords of the ancient Slavs and Vikings are so similar. And the sword does not need a particularly sharp tip. That stabbing, that cutting - not repulsed blow of a heavy sword will still do its job ...
After the conspirators killed the prince, one of the assassins took this sword for himself. In the future, the weapon was never mentioned anywhere else. The fundamental difference between a sword and a saber is that a sword is a cutting weapon, while a saber is a cutting one. Apparently, the real sword of Prince Vsevolod has fallen into disrepair from time to time or has been lost. Think about the strength of the blows of the Russian heroes, who broke the spear shafts 3 cm thick and about 2 meters long against opponents.
If you have read Russian epics, you should have noticed that the sword of a Russian hero was never raised for bravado, for the sake of gaining wealth or the throne. The sword was worn only in difficult times or as part of a ceremonial costume - as a symbol of status.
The sword in Russia, and probably everywhere else, was held in high esteem. You can read the meaning of the sword in Ancient Russia in Oleg Agaev.
A straight, long, heavy blade slightly tapering to the point. The hilt and guard sticking out of the scabbard have always been decorated, even on the simplest swords. The blade was sometimes also decorated with drawings or magic signs. A longitudinal groove ran along the blade - a dol, which facilitated the blade of the sword and increased its maneuverability.
So why was the Slavic sword exactly like this? Let's try to figure it out.
Imagine early, pre-Christian Russia. The land was spacious and abundant; It was difficult to die of hunger in a country where rivers are rich in fish, and forests are rich in game, honey and vegetable fruits, it was difficult even in lean years. Such conditions were combined with a low population density: first, a fairly large distance from each other settlements; secondly, the lack of overcrowding in the settlements themselves. Under such conditions, culture was formed for a long time in a relatively high security from external attacks and with an extremely low frequency of internal conflict situations due to the absence of competition for the use of natural resources. Wars were rare, but the princely squads were well armed and equipped. The martial art was taught from childhood. It is in such an environment that the technologies for the production of swords blades, which are one of the highest-quality categories of products of urban blacksmiths-gunsmiths of Kievan Rus, matured.
In addition, the 10th century was a period of brutal civil war in the Nordic countries, as a result of which many Vikings fled from their homeland and were hired to join the squads of Russian princes. So the Russian armourers of those times always had material for comparison and imitation. This is probably why the swords of the ancient Slavs and Vikings are so similar.
In 1900, near the village of Krasnyanka in the former Kupyansk district of the Kharkov province (the territory of the present Voroshilovgrad region), a sword was found, dated by the historian A.N. Kirpichnikov at the end of the 10th century. The sword is kept in the Kharkov Historical Museum (inv. No. KS 116−42).
It was this sword that was among the samples of ancient Russian weapons that were subjected to metallographic analysis to clarify the technology for making blades of ancient Russian swords in 1948.
Here's what this analysis found out.
The technological scheme of the sword from Krasnyanka almost in all details coincides with the description of the swords of the Rus, cited by the Khorezmian Biruni in the mineralogical treatise of 1046, where it is indicated: their fragility. " The famous scientist BA Kolchin defines the concept of "shapurkan" as a hard steel-style, and "naromkhan" - as soft and ductile iron.
Thus, the results of metallographic studies allow us to assert that the sword from Krasnyanka was forged by ancient Russian armourers-professionals who were perfectly familiar with the technical requirements for swords and who owned the most rational methods of making their blades for their time.
It may also be noted that the proportion of thrusting to cutting in the design of the sword changed in response to changes in weaponry, but even earlier parallel-edged swords tended to have a piercing, albeit rounded, point.
And the sword does not need a particularly sharp tip. Chain armor of those times was well cut with a chopping blow. That stabbing, that cutting - not repulsed blow of a heavy sword will still do its job ...
In ancient Russia, along with expensive high-quality swords, cheap short iron swords were also made, which probably served as weapons for ordinary foot soldiers. And yet the sword was never "a simple piece of iron", it always carried something magical, witchcraft. Maybe that's why he left such a noticeable mark in folklore. Well, who will remember the common expression with a saber, sword or dagger?
But the words of Alexander Nevsky: "Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword" Russian people will always remember.
In the Middle Ages, the sword was not only one of the most popular weapons, but in addition to all this, it also performed ritual functions. For example, when a young warrior was knighted, they easily hit the shoulder with the flat side of the sword. And the knight's sword itself was necessarily blessed by a priest. But even as a weapon, the medieval sword was very effective, it is not without reason that the most various forms of swords were developed over the centuries.
Still, if you look from a military point of view, the sword played a secondary role in battles, the main weapon of the Middle Ages was a spear or lance. But the social role of the sword was very great - sacred inscriptions and religious symbols were applied to the blades of many swords, which were intended to remind the bearer of the sword of the high mission of serving God, protecting the Christian church from pagans, infidels, and heretics. The hilt of the sword sometimes even became an ark for relics and relics. And the very shape of the medieval sword invariably resembles the main symbol of Christianity - the cross.
Knighting, Accolada.
Sword structure
Depending on their structure, there were different types of swords that were intended for different fighting techniques. Among them are swords for thrusting strikes and swords for cutting strikes. When making swords, special attention was paid to the following parameters:
- The profile of the blade - it changed from century to century, depending on the dominant technique of combat in a particular era.
- The shape of the blade section - it depends on the use of this type of sword in battle.
- Distal constriction - it affects the distribution of mass over the sword.
- The center of gravity is the balance point of the sword.
The sword itself, roughly speaking, can be divided into two parts: the blade (everything is clear here) and the hilt - this includes the handle of the sword, the guard (crosspiece) and the pommel (counterweight).
This is how the detailed structure of a medieval sword looks clearly in the picture.
Medieval sword weight
How much did a medieval sword weigh? The myth often prevails that medieval swords were incredibly heavy, and one had to have remarkable strength in order to fence with them. In reality, the weight of a medieval knight's sword was quite acceptable, on average it ranged from 1.1 to 1.6 kg. Large, long so-called "bastrard swords" weighed up to 2 kg (in fact, they were used by only a small part of the soldiers), and only the heaviest two-handed swords that were owned by the real "Hercules of the Middle Ages" weighed up to 3 kg.
Photo of medieval swords.
Sword typology
Back in 1958, expert on melee weapons, Ewart Oakshot, proposed a systematics of medieval swords that remains mainstream to this day. This taxonomy is based on two factors:
- Blade shape: length, width, point, overall profile.
- The proportions of the sword.
Based on these points, Oakeshot identified 13 main types of medieval swords, ranging from the Viking swords to the swords of the late Middle Ages. He also described 35 different types of pommel and 12 types of crosspieces for swords.
Interestingly, in the period between 1275 and 1350, there was a significant change in the shape of swords, it is associated with the emergence of new protective armor, against which the swords of the old model were not effective. Thus, possessing the typology of swords, archaeologists can easily date this or that ancient sword of a medieval knight by its shape.
Now let's take a look at some of the most popular swords of the Middle Ages.
This is perhaps the most popular of medieval swords, often a warrior with a one-handed sword, with the other hand holding a shield. It was actively used by the ancient Germans, then by the Vikings, then by the knights, in the late Middle Ages it was transformed into rapiers and broadswords.
The long sword spread already in the late Middle Ages; later, thanks to it, the art of swordsmanship flourished.
Such a sword was used only by real heroes, given the fact that the weight of a medieval two-handed sword reached 3 kg. Nevertheless, powerful chopping blows with such a sword were quite crushing for durable knightly armor.
Knight's sword, video
And in conclusion, a thematic video about a knight's sword.
Claymore (claymore, claymore, claymore, from the Gaulish claidheamh-mòr - "big sword") is a two-handed sword that has become widespread among the Scottish highlanders since the end of the XIV century. As the main weapon of the infantry, claymore was actively used in clashes between tribes or border battles with the British. Claymore is the smallest of all its brethren. This, however, does not mean that the weapon is small: the average length of the blade is 105-110 cm, and together with the handle the sword reached 150 cm. Its distinctive feature was the characteristic bend of the arches of the cross - downward, towards the tip of the blade. This design made it possible to effectively grip and literally pull out any long weapon from the enemy's hands. In addition, the decoration of the bow's horns - punching in the form of a stylized four-leaf clover - became a distinctive sign by which everyone easily recognized the weapon. In terms of size and efficiency, claymore was arguably the best two-handed sword. It was not specialized, and therefore it was used quite effectively in any combat situation.
Zweichander
Zweichander (German Zweihänder or Bidenhänder / Bihänder, "two-handed sword") is a weapon of a special division of the Landsknechts, who are on double pay (doppelsoldner). If claymore is the most modest sword, then the Zweihander really was distinguished by its impressive size and in rare cases reached two meters in length, including the hilt. In addition, it was notable for a double guard, where special "boar fangs" separated the unsharpened part of the blade (ricasso) from the sharpened one.
Such a sword was a weapon of very narrow use. The technique of fighting was quite dangerous: the owner of the Zweichander acted in the forefront, pushing as a lever (or even completely chopping off) the shaft of the enemy pikes and spears. To possess this monster required not only remarkable strength and courage, but also considerable skill of a swordsman, so that the mercenaries did not receive double salaries for their beautiful eyes. The technique of fighting with two-handed swords bears little resemblance to the usual blade fencing: such a sword is much easier to compare with a reed. Of course, the Zweichander did not have a scabbard - it was worn on the shoulder like an oar or a spear.
Flamberg
Flamberge ("flaming sword") is a natural evolution of the regular straight sword. The curvature of the blade made it possible to increase the lethality of the weapon, however, in the case of large swords, the blade came out too massive, fragile and still could not penetrate high-quality armor. In addition, the Western European school of fencing suggests using the sword mainly as a thrusting weapon, and therefore, curved blades were not suitable for it. By the XIV-XVI centuries. / bm9icg \u003d\u003d\u003d\u003e Metallurgical advances made the cutting sword practically useless on the battlefield - it simply could not penetrate hardened steel armor with one or two blows, which played a critical role in massive battles. The gunsmiths began actively looking for a way out of this situation, until they finally came to the concept of a wave blade, which has a number of successive antiphase bends. Such swords were difficult to manufacture and were expensive, but the effectiveness of the sword was undeniable. Due to a significant reduction in the area of \u200b\u200bthe striking surface, upon contact with the target, the destructive effect was greatly enhanced. In addition, the blade acted on the principle of a saw, cutting through the affected surface. The wounds inflicted by the flamberg did not heal for a very long time. Some generals sentenced captured swordsmen to death solely for carrying such weapons. The Catholic Church also cursed such swords and branded them as inhumane weapons.
Espadon
Espadon (French espadon from Spanish espada - sword) is a classic type of two-handed sword with a tetrahedral blade cross-section. Its length reached 1.8 meters, and the guard consisted of two massive arches. The center of gravity of the weapon was often shifted to the edge - this increased the penetrating power of the sword. In battle, such weapons were used by unique warriors who usually did not have any other specialization. Their task was to, swinging huge blades, destroy the enemy's battle formation, overturn the front ranks of the enemy and pave the way for the rest of the army. Sometimes these swords were used in battle with cavalry - due to the size and mass of the blade, the weapon made it possible to very effectively chop the legs of horses and cut through the armor of heavy infantry. Most often, the weight of military weapons ranged from 3 to 5 kg, and the heavier specimens were award or ceremonial. Weighted warblade replicas were sometimes used for training purposes.
Estok
Estok (fr. Estoc) is a two-handed piercing weapon designed to pierce knightly armor. A long (up to 1.3 meters) tetrahedral blade usually had a stiffening rib. If the previous swords were used as a means of countermeasures against cavalry, then the estok, on the contrary, was the weapon of the rider. Riders wore it on the right side of the saddle in order to have an additional means of self-defense in case of loss of the peak. In equestrian combat, the sword was held with one hand, and the blow was delivered due to the speed and mass of the horse. In a skirmish on foot, the warrior took him in two hands, compensating for the lack of mass with his own strength. Some examples of the 16th century have a complex guard, like a sword, but most often there was no need for it.
The 5 most formidable two-handed swords of the Middle Ages October 9th, 2016
After we've discussed, let's find out something a little closer to reality.
Thanks to the efforts of mass culture, the most incredible rumors always hover around the two-handed swords of the Middle Ages. Check out any art picture of a knight or a Hollywood movie about those times. All the main characters have a huge sword that almost reaches their chest. Some endow weapons with a pound weight, others with incredible dimensions and the ability to cut a knight in half, and still others argue that swords of this size could not exist as military weapons.
Claymore
Claymore (claymore, claymore, claymore, from the Gaulish claidheamh-mòr - "big sword") is a two-handed sword that has become widespread among the Scottish highlanders since the end of the XIV century. As the main weapon of the infantry, claymore was actively used in clashes between tribes or border battles with the British.
Claymore is the smallest of all its brethren. This, however, does not mean that the weapon is small: the average length of the blade is 105-110 cm, and together with the handle the sword reached 150 cm. Its distinctive feature was the characteristic bend of the arches of the cross - downward, towards the tip of the blade. This design made it possible to effectively grip and literally pull out any long weapon from the enemy's hands. In addition, the decoration of the bow's horns - punching in the form of a stylized four-leaf clover - became a distinctive sign by which everyone easily recognized the weapon.
In terms of size and efficiency, claymore was arguably the best two-handed sword. It was not specialized, and therefore it was used quite effectively in any combat situation.
Zweichander
Zweichander (German Zweihänder or Bidenhänder / Bihänder, "two-handed sword") is a weapon of a special division of the Landsknechts, who are on double pay (doppelsoldner). If claymore is the most modest sword, then the Zweihander really was distinguished by its impressive size and in rare cases reached two meters in length, including the hilt. In addition, it was notable for a double guard, where special "boar fangs" separated the unsharpened part of the blade (ricasso) from the sharpened one.
Such a sword was a weapon of very narrow use. The technique of fighting was quite dangerous: the owner of the Zweichander acted in the forefront, pushing as a lever (or even completely chopping off) the shaft of the enemy pikes and spears. To possess this monster required not only remarkable strength and courage, but also considerable skill of a swordsman, so that the mercenaries did not receive double salaries for their beautiful eyes. The technique of fighting with two-handed swords bears little resemblance to the usual blade fencing: such a sword is much easier to compare with a reed. Of course, the Zweichander did not have a scabbard - it was worn on the shoulder like an oar or a spear.
Flamberg
Flamberge ("flaming sword") is a natural evolution of the regular straight sword. The curvature of the blade made it possible to increase the lethality of the weapon, however, in the case of large swords, the blade came out too massive, fragile and still could not penetrate high-quality armor. In addition, the Western European school of fencing suggests using the sword mainly as a thrusting weapon, and therefore, curved blades were not suitable for it.
By the 14th-16th centuries, the achievements of metallurgy led to the fact that the cutting sword became almost useless at all on the battlefield - it simply could not penetrate hardened steel armor with one or two blows, which played a critical role in massive battles. The gunsmiths began actively looking for a way out of this situation, until they finally came to the concept of a wave blade, which has a number of successive antiphase bends. Such swords were difficult to manufacture and were expensive, but the effectiveness of the sword was undeniable. Due to a significant reduction in the area of \u200b\u200bthe striking surface, upon contact with the target, the destructive effect was greatly enhanced. In addition, the blade acted on the principle of a saw, cutting through the affected surface.
The wounds inflicted by the flamberg did not heal for a very long time. Some generals sentenced captured swordsmen to death solely for carrying such weapons. The Catholic Church also cursed such swords and branded them as inhumane weapons.
Espadon
Espadon (French espadon from Spanish espada - sword) is a classic type of two-handed sword with a tetrahedral blade cross-section. Its length reached 1.8 meters, and the guard consisted of two massive arches. The center of gravity of the weapon was often shifted to the edge - this increased the penetrating power of the sword.
In battle, such weapons were used by unique warriors who usually did not have any other specialization. Their task was to, swinging huge blades, destroy the enemy's battle formation, overturn the front ranks of the enemy and pave the way for the rest of the army. Sometimes these swords were used in battle with cavalry - due to the size and mass of the blade, the weapon made it possible to very effectively chop the legs of horses and cut through the armor of heavy infantry.
Most often, the weight of military weapons ranged from 3 to 5 kg, and the heavier specimens were award or ceremonial. Weighted warblade replicas were sometimes used for training purposes.
Estok
Estok (fr. Estoc) is a two-handed piercing weapon designed to pierce knightly armor. A long (up to 1.3 meters) tetrahedral blade usually had a stiffening rib. If the previous swords were used as a means of countermeasures against cavalry, then the estok, on the contrary, was the weapon of the rider. Riders wore it on the right side of the saddle in order to have an additional means of self-defense in the event of a loss of the peak. In equestrian combat, the sword was held with one hand, and the blow was delivered due to the speed and mass of the horse. In a foot skirmish, the warrior took him in two hands, compensating for the lack of mass with his own strength. Some examples of the 16th century have a complex guard, like a sword, but most often there was no need for it.
Now let's take a look at the largest combat Two-handed sword.
Presumably this sword belonged to the rebel and pirate Pierre Gerlofs Donia, known as "Big Pierre", who, according to legends, could cut off several heads at once, he also bends coins using his thumb, forefinger and middle finger.
According to legend, this sword was brought to Friesland by the German Landsknechts, it was used as a banner (it was not a battle one), this sword captured by Pierre began to be used as a battle
Pier Gerlofs Donia (West Frisian Grutte Pier, circa 1480, Kimsverd - October 18, 1520, Snack) - Frisian pirate and fighter for independence. Descendant of the famous Frisian leader Haring Harinxma (1323-1404).
Son of Pier Gerlofs Donia and Frisian noblewoman Fokel Sybrants Bonga. He was married to Rintsje or Rintze Syrtsema, had from her a son Gerlof and a daughter Wobbel (born 1510).
On January 29, 1515, his courtyard was destroyed and burned by soldiers from the Black Gang, the Landsknechts of the Saxon Duke George the Bearded, and Rintze was raped and killed. Hatred of his wife's murderers prompted Pierre to take part in the Geldern War against the powerful Habsburgs, on the side of the Duke of Guelder Charles II (1492-1538) of the Egmont dynasty. He made a treaty with the Duchy of Geldern and became a pirate.
The ships of his flotilla "Arumer Zwarte Hoop" dominated the Zuidersee, causing great damage to the Dutch and Burgundian shipping. After the capture of 28 Dutch ships, Pierre Gerlofs Donia (Grutte Pier) solemnly declared himself "King of Frisia" and headed for the liberation and unification of his native country. However, after he noticed that the Duke of Geldern did not intend to support him in the war of independence, Pierre canceled the treaty of alliance and resigned in 1519. On October 18, 1520, he died in Grootzand, a suburb of the Frisian city of Sneek. Buried on the north side of the Great Snake Church (built in the 15th century)
Here it should be noted that the weight of 6.6 is abnormal for a combat two-handed sword. A significant number of their weight varies in the region of 3-4 kg.
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