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Astronomical Knowledge of the Mayans: Predictions, Calculations, and Meanings
Systematic Sky ObservationThe Mayan civilization, which flourished from approximately 2000 BCE to the 16th century, d...
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21 May 2024
2 min
The true story of William Wallace
Welcome to a new article from Swords and More. Today we will tell you the true story of William Wallace! William Wallace William Wallace was born on 3 April 1270 in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland. He was a prominent Scottish soldier who led his country's resistance against the English occupation under the reign of Edward I of England during the First War of Scottish Independence. Check out this amazing William Wallace sword! Contemporary information about Wallace's life is scant, and much of what is known comes from the work of Blind Harry, written around 1470, almost two centuries after Wallace's birth. Wallace was the third son of Malcolm Wallace, a landowner with estates at Elderslie and Auchinbothie. His first known action was at Lanark, where he led an uprising, and he then moved to Ayrshire to join other Scottish nobles at Irvine who were also fighting the English. This version of the William Wallace Sword made of Toledo Steel is also a great choice! In 1296, Edward I of England intervened in Scottish affairs, sending troops to occupy the kingdom and appointing English officials to govern it. It was in this context that Wallace emerged as a leader of the resistance, taking the initiative to combat foreign rule. Look at this shield of William Wallace Wallace is remembered with admiration and respect for his bravery and military skill. He played a crucial role in the fight for Scottish independence during the 13th century, becoming a symbol of resistance and courage in the face of English oppression. Baldric William Wallace! Despite his efforts and achievements, Wallace was eventually captured and executed on 23 August 1305 at Smithfield, Middlesex, London, England. His death was tragic, but his legacy lives on, as he remains an iconic figure in Scottish history and popular culture. The story of his life and achievements continues to inspire generations of Scots and people around the world who value the fight for freedom and justice. And you, what do you think of William Wallace? Tell us!
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30 Apr 2024
3 min
Roman Weapons and Swords. Roma Aeterna
Welcome to a new Swords and More article! Today we will tell you about the glorious Rome and its weaponry. Roma Aeterna! Roman military world and weapons When we think of Roman military capability, one of the most important empires in history comes to mind. Some of the relevant elements of Roman tactics are: Discipline and structure: The Roman army was noted for its discipline and organization, as well as for its advances in weapons and tactics. Citizens between seventeen and sixty years of age were subject to military service. Those with minimum incomes of four hundred drachmas joined the infantry or heavy cavalry. Check out this amazing Roman Gladius! Composition of the army: An army was usually made up of four legions, although this number could vary. Each legion, in the 1st century BC, was made up of 5,120 men and was divided into 10 cohorts. Combat tactics: The Roman army was organized in tight formations, with a wide but shallow front line. These formations included 500 infantrymen in front, 1,200 light infantrymen on the sides, and 300 cavalrymen for support. This Gladius is of great quality! Now, if we go to weapons, the main Roman weapons are the following: The pilum was a long, heavy spear of about 2.5 metres that Roman soldiers threw like a dart towards the enemy. When several units threw their pilums at the same time, they created a shower of devastating projectiles. In addition, the pilum was also used in hand-to-hand combat, being a short spear very effective at piercing armour. The gladius hispaniensis , known as the Roman short sword, was instrumental in the expansion of the Roman Empire. With its suitable length, it allowed legionaries to attack with penetrating and devastating blows in confined spaces. Check out this spectacular Roman Centurion Gladius! The plumbata, also called the "spikes of Mars", was a new weapon adopted by the Roman armies around 300 AD. It consisted of an iron-tipped, lead-weighted dart mounted on a feathered wooden rod. The pugio, a dagger used by Roman soldiers, was an auxiliary weapon whose exact purpose is still uncertain, but it is believed to have had a meaning beyond combat, indicating the soldier's status. Look at this Roman dagger from Marto! Furthermore, the scorpion was a rotating siege engine used by the Roman army as a field artillery piece. And what do you think of Roman swords and the history of the glorious empire? (With permission from the great Spanish empire) Tell us!
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29 Apr 2024
3 min
The Celts. Hallstatt and La Tène. The Celtic Sw...
Welcome to a new article on Swords and More. Today we will tell you about a topic that we are sure will be of interest to you: The Celts and their swords! About the Celts We can understand the ancient Celts as a community of diverse tribal groups that spread and populated vast regions of central and western Europe during the Bronze Age, approximately from 700 BC to 400 AD. From the Iberian Peninsula to the lands of Germany, crossing all of Europe and even reaching areas of Anatolia in the east and Ireland in the west. The Celts, although never united under a single state banner, shared certain cultural, religious and linguistic ties (despite their many differences between tribes, there are common elements to take into account) although they did not form a complex and united civilization. We can talk about different cultures of the Bronze Age that have subsequently been related to the expansion of the so-called Celtic peoples such as Hallstat and La Tène. Check out this amazing Celtic Cormac Sword! Hallstatt culture The Hallstatt culture, an archaeological civilization that flourished in Europe during the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age. Its name evokes the mystique of the Hallstatt Necropolis in Austria, where some 2,000 tombs and more than 6,000 buried treasures lie. This culture, which inherited legacies from the Urnfields, was distinguished by its skill in salt production and its increasingly intense trade with neighboring peoples. As it grew, it established connections with regions as far away as the Mediterranean and the vast steppes of Eastern Europe. Over time, iron became the central axis of its development, thus marking the beginning of the First Iron Age. La Tene culture The La Tène culture dates back to the period between 450 and 50 BC, taking its name from the place where its first remains were discovered, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland. This culture emerged as the successor to the previously predominant Hallstatt culture (ca. 1200 - 450 BC), and quickly became the dominant artistic force in Central Europe. The treasures of La Tène culture have been found across a wide geographical range, from the green lands of Ireland to the vast plains of Romania, painting a picture of cultural exchange and connectivity across Western and Central Europe. Check out this Cruachan Celtic Short Sword! The Celtic Swords The Celts were skilled in metal forging, a skill that left an indelible mark on Roman military technology. From Gallic helmets to the famous Celtiberian swords, their influence was undeniable. We can distinguish several Eras: Bronze Age: Forged in bronze, these swords were rather short, with a triangular shape that made them unique, adorned with complex Celtic spiral patterns. Iron Age (First Period): Celtic swords grew in size and weight during this period. In addition to long swords, short swords, horseshoe daggers and antennae swords were also used. Iron Age (Second and Third Period): Celtic swords continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the battlefield, reflecting the constant transformation of their society and technology. I love this Historical Celtic Short Sword! And what do you think of the Celts and their swords? Are you passionate about the Bronze Age? Tell us!
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19 Mar 2024
3 min
PARTS OF A SWORD. MEDIEVAL SWORD.
Welcome to a new article from Espadas Y Más. Today, we will tell you about the parts of a sword. As you already know, weapons have varied greatly in potential and details throughout history, and the case of swords was not going to be any different, so in this article, we will talk specifically about the parts of a medieval sword, in general. We can't stop recommending our collection of Medieval Swords, we're sure you or your father will love them ;) PARTS OF A MEDIEVAL SWORD Pommel : The pommel is the part of the sword that is furthest from the tip. Its main function is to balance the sword, providing a counterweight to the blade. This allows for easier and more controlled handling of the sword. Additionally, in close combat situations, the pommel can be used as a blunt weapon to strike the opponent. Check out this medieval carbon steel sword Hilt : The hilt is the part of the sword that is held in the hand. It is designed to be comfortable and provide a good grip, allowing the user to handle the sword with precision and control. Often, the hilt is wrapped in leather or some other soft material to provide extra comfort and a better grip. Check out this one-handed medieval sword Guard or Crossguard : The guard, also known as the crossguard, is the part of the sword that is located between the hilt and the blade. Its main function is to protect the hand holding the sword from blows from the opponent. The guard can take many forms, from a simple crossbar to more complex and ornate designs. Check out this medieval German sword Blade : The blade is the long, straight part of the sword. It can be double-edged (sharpened on both sides) or single-edged. The blade ends in a point, which is used for stabbing. The length, width, and curvature of the blade can vary considerably depending on the type of sword and its purpose. Classic Medieval Sword Edge : The edge is the sharp edge of the blade. In a double-edged sword, both sides of the blade are sharpened. The cutting edge is the part of the sword that is used for cutting and slashing. Fluting : Fluting is a groove that runs the length of the blade. Its purpose is to reduce the weight of the sword without compromising its strength. This allows for easier and faster handling of the sword. Tip : The tip is the end of the blade, designed for stabbing or piercing. The shape of the tip can vary depending on the type of sword and its purpose. Check out this historic medieval sword Each of these parts has a specific purpose, and together they make the sword an effective tool for combat. Medieval swords were often customized for the knight who would use them, so they can vary in size, shape, and decoration. Although all swords share these basic characteristics, craftsmanship and innovation in their design have led to a wide variety of swords throughout history. We hope you enjoyed it! See you soon!
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The Soul of Japan Forged in Steel: The Origin o...
29 Nov 2023
The Japanese katana is a symbol of skilled craftsmanship and Japan's deep spiritual connection to its history. The katana has been revered as a masterpiece of forging, an extension of...
29 Nov 2023
2 min
The Soul of Japan Forged in Steel: The Origin o...
The Japanese katana is much more than just a sword; it is a symbol of Japan's craftsmanship and deep spiritual connection to its history. Throughout the centuries, the katana has been revered as a masterpiece of forging, an extension of the samurai, and an emblem of the rich history of feudal Japan. Traditional Forging: The Art of Tatara The history of the katana dates back to the ancient Japanese art of forging, which employs the steelmaking method called Tatara. Originating in the 8th century, this process involves melting iron ore and charcoal in a special furnace. This steelmaking ritual is considered by many to be an almost mystical practice , where master forgers perform their work with reverence, believing they are infusing the metal with the virtues of the samurai. Here you can see our katanas: https://espadasymas.com/collections/katanas The Art of the Sword: Development of the Katana Although Japanese swords evolved over the centuries, the katana in its most recognizable form emerged during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Designed to fit a new reality where not only large battles but also individual battles mattered, the katana was a sharp, elegant and highly functional sword. The Soul of the Katana: The Spirituality of Forging The katana is not simply a weapon; it is an extension of the samurai's soul. Each katana is believed to have a spirit, and master forgers have passed this belief down through the generations. Meticulous attention to every detail during forging, known as "tamahagane," is essential to infusing soul into the steel. Check out our functional katanas: https://espadasymas.com/collections/katanas-funccionales The Bushido Code: The Katana as a Symbol of Honor The katana is not only a physical artifact; it also represents the core values of bushido, the ethical code of the samurai. Loyalty, honor, and bravery are intrinsic to the katana, and the samurai saw their sword as an extension of their very being. (Concepts developed at least in written form primarily from the Edo Period onwards, due to the flowering of artistic and philosophical currents during that period and the peace that this period brought.)
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