6 Ancient Weapons That Changed Warfare Forever
In the age of guns and nuclear bombs, weapons have come a long way in history when wars used to be fought with swords and spears. Just like the atomic bomb, there are some ancient weapons invented that also changed warfare forever, allowing soldiers to have more accuracy or power behind their attacks. Unfortunately, this led to more devastating wars as the technology continued to improve. However, if you are interested in how ancient weapons changed the game of warfare, check out six examples below.
6. Warship
Starting our list of ancient weapons is the warship. Beginning as the oared warship powered by dozens of men, the weapon dates back to prehistoric times. At that point, the “ships” would have been dugout canoes, later animal skins wrapped around a wooden frame. As time went on, the warship grew bigger and stronger. This allowed troops to be called in quicker or launch an assault on enemies stuck on land. Today we have impressive metal warships that can holds hundreds of people and survive harsh attacks.
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5. Catapult
Fifth on our list of ancient weapons is the mechanical cannon, more commonly referred to as the catapult. Able to throw larger and more destructive objects, catapults easily destroy walls or structures inside a battlement. The catapult also served as psychological warfare as the enemy saw these large structures encroaching on their land. Engineers continued to make improvements over time, allowing the catapults to move on wheels or throw objects with just one arm.
4. Chariot
Fourth on our list of ancient weapons is the chariot, most commonly associated with Roman times and the Colosseum. Allowing a warrior to traverse across land quickly, the chariot combined the power of a vehicle and horse to create terror in the enemy. The chariots worked best against slow opponents in formations and could corral and separate soldiers from each other to help the rider fight them off.
3. Polearm
Rounding out our top three ancient weapons is the polearm, which you may also associate with the term spear. Used since the Stone Age, hunters would put pieces of obsidian on a pole to make a spear, and later, the obsidian was traded for copper, iron, or bronze heads. The polearm evolved into various weapons, some with prongs to deal increased damage and others with short swords to slash through enemies. This allowed fighters to deal damage from a farther distance, protecting their body in the process.
2. Bow and Arrows
Second on our list of ancient weapons is the bow and arrow, allowing opposing sides to shoot at their enemy from greater distances than ever before. The bow and arrow were used prior for hunting long before recorded history but became increasingly important weapons during ancient times. From the long bow to the composite, these weapons allowed for long-range damage and even stealth attacks while hidden in foliage.
1. Sword
Last but not least on our ancient weapons list is the sword. From the Celts to the Teutonics, swords were considered the most important weapon to change warfare. Made from various materials, including iron, steel, and copper, the sharp edges could cut through enemies and allow for close combat. Longer swords were also created for men on horseback, who could sweep through formations and lay damage to whoever was near. While mostly used for decoration today, the sword is one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of war.
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