Melee Weapon - History

History

People have always had weapons for a variety of reasons, whether it be for hunting, attack or defence. What is considered probably the earliest way to craft weapons was for a hard stone such as flint to be chipped away until it met the desired shape, often a point or cutting edge. At first these weapons were held directly in the hand, until the discovery of the haft or handle which allowed more force to be applied to the weapon. This allowed it to do more harm on both the battlefield or on the hunt. Hand axes were often polished so that the user needn’t hurt his hand when hitting something. Although the blade of the axe was often left unpolished as the rougher edge was the more effective. A picture of an ancient hand axe is below. The stone weapons used during the last parts of the stone age and into the bronze age do exhibit a little more artistic craftsmanship. For example they were often finely polished and chipped in a shape that would be considered pleasing to the eye.

Another ancient way of crafting weapons was first discovered in southern Africa. Natives found that by heating a certain stone called silcrete they could chip it away and create more sophisticated knives, axes, and other weapons. Scientists speculate although that these weapons were not improved though by the fire, but were actually more likely to shatter. In fact John Shea, from Stony Brook University, says "Instead the flashy artifacts might have been ways that 'some humans showed off that they had time on their hands.'" This is very much like the swords worn by kings in Europe.

The discovery of the metals copper, tin and zinc completely changed the way weapons were made. These weapons were stronger and more ornate than their predecessors in the Stone age. During the beginning of the Bronze age the metal head of the weapons were still bound to the shafts of the weapons. Later the weapons were secured more securely with sockets and pins. This age started roughly 3500 B.C.. It showed the beginning of the use of the technology that allowed tin, copper, and zinc alloys to be mixed to produce the metal bronze. This metal was very durable and strong and it got stronger the hotter it was heated.

The Iron Age which started around 1200 B.C. marked the beginning of the use of iron for the majority of use for weapons and armor.