A weapon is an instrument used in combat for the purpose of killing, injuring, or defeating an enemy (Brittanica). Selecting the correct weapon to be used in the battle is crucial as this made the difference between winning a battle or be killed. Here is a list of weapons used in antiquity:
- Roman scissor: this eighteen-inch, five-pound weapon of hardened steel was used by gladiators in ancient Rome. The scissor is an unusual weapon that has two parts: a long tube that protects the gladiator’s arm and a long, thin cylindrical-shaped pipe with a crescent-shaped blade at the end of the tube. Because of the shape and nature of scissor, it is a versatile and lethal weapon that is capable of blocking an opponent’s blows from stabbing and slashing.
- Shuriken: also known as the ninja star, this well-known Japanese weapon is made up of heavy grade steel, is about 5 to 8 1⁄2 inches in length, and weighs between 1.3–5.3 ounces. The shuriken is used mostly as a concealed weapon for self-defence and was not used for direct attack. It plays an important part of a Samurai’s weaponry.
- Bagh Nakh: this clawlike weapon from India weighs two ounces and is about six inches long. It is made of metal and has four to five curves blades that are used to slash through skin and muscle.
- Madu: another weapon from ancient India, this steel weapon weighs three to four pounds and is about twenty-four inches in length. It is made from blackbuck horns that are pointing in opposite directions and joined by a crossbar that also acts as a handle. The pointed horns are used for stabbing and thrusting in offensive attacks.
- Zhua: this iron weapon is from ancient China. It has a clawlike figure that have sharp blades at the edge and is used to rip away the weapons and shields of the enemy. Because of its great weight, the zhua can be used for bludgeoning.
- Shotel: originating in Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia), this forty-inch curved sword is used by their soldiers. Its semicurved blade can stab vital organs as it can strike over the shield of the enemy.
- Khopesh: this bronze-and-steel sickle sword is from ancient Egypt. It has a thick crescent-shaped blade and is around fifty to sixty centimeters long. It is used as a hook and a bludgeoning tool.
- Spartan hoplon shield: these circular shields are made from wood while the outer part are covered with bronze. They weighed around thirty pounds and measured three feet in diameter. It is primarily used for defensive purposes, but because of its weight and blunt nature, the hoplon shield could be used for bludgeoning and killing.
- Flaming (Fire) arrows: invented by the Chinese during the Song dynasty, fire arrows were used throughout medieval times as a thermal weapon. Apart from the Chinese, the Romans, Assyrians, Judeans, and many others also used the fire arrows.
- Kakute: similar to a shobo, the kakute are very small spiked rings made from iron. Fighters wore these rings on the index or middle finger and the thumb. The spikes could be turned inward or outward to create a puncture wounds and stun the opponent.
- Zweihander: with a length of over seventy inches and weighing from three to fourteen pounds, it is possibly the biggest sword in history. They are used by the Swiss and Germans for fighting off halberds and pikes at long range. Eventually though, they were used only for ceremonies only.
- Haladie: the weapon of choice of the ancient Indian warriors called Rajputs, these double-edged steel blades are used to cut enemies down. It is twenty to thirty inches long and weighs one pound. It is possibly the first dagger with three blades.
- Fire Lance: resembling a spear, the fire lance from China could fire projectiles filled with gunpowder. The development of the fire lance led to the creation of other weapons.
- Gastraphetes: translated as “belly releaser,” this handheld crossbow was invented around the fifth century. It is forty inches long and weighs ten pounds. It is made of wood and rope and was used by the Greeks. It is believed to be very accurate because the user is able to aim it properly.