Decided to make a comp of the evolution of European one-handed swords. Enjoy
We start off with the gladius, a famous sword used by the Ancient Roman military from about the 4th century BC to the 3rd Century AD. 45-68 cm long, the sword was originally believed to have been used by Celtiberians (Celts who lived in Iberia) and was adopted by the Roman Military following the conquest of Hispania. The blade was double edged for slashing, but was most effective when stabbing towards the stomach, which was almost always fatal.
The next sword to be used was the Spatha, a .75-1m long sword which replaced the Gladius as the main weapon of the Roman Military. It was used primarily from 300 AD to 600 AD, the Spatha was believed to be a Celtic Longsword used by Celtic Auxiliaries before being adopted by the Legion. Following the fall of Rome, many Europeans continued to use them during the Migration Period from the Classical Era to Medieval
Eventually, it is believed the Spatha evolved into the Viking Sword, a sword popular with all of Europe, not just the vikings. Used from the 7th Century to 11th Century, Viking swords were 71-84cm long, and were known for their short handles, small cross guards, and deep fullers in the blade. Some viking swords called Ulfberht were created using crucible steel, a high quality steel which Europeans were unable to make until the Industrial Revolution.
Following the end of the Viking Age, the Arming Sword/Knightly Sword became the main weapon of many European Knights. Used from the 11th to 16th Centuries, many different designs arose, but typically these swords were 69-81cm long, with one handed hilts, and double-edged straight blades for slashing and stabbing. Typically used with a shield, these swords eventually became side arms to the larger long/great swords which developed in the late Medieval period (which I won't go over in this comp).
In the 16th Century, the Medieval period was coming to an end and the Renaissance had begun. The introduction of gunpowder made plate armor obsolete and swords as heavy as the arming sword became unnecessary. The "Spada da Lato" or Side Sword, was the interim sword between the Arming Sword and Rapier. Side swords became popular with the advent of "Espada Ropera" in Spain, where Swords began being used in civilian dress for both self defense and dueling.
Continuing the tradition of Espada Ropera, Renaissance smiths sought to make Dress Swords which would be used by Civilians for duels and Self Defense. Typically having ornate hilts, their blades typically measured 1m long, with a width of only 2.5 cm, Rapiers continued to become lighter for civilian use as time went on. The blade became extremely popular among the upper class, and many fencing schools began opening at this time.
The military counter part to the Rapier, this blade is known as the Basket-hilted sword, cut and thrust swords, or Broadsword (called this because it was broad compared to the Rapier). It use started in the 16th century, and was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, all the way to the Napoleonic Wars. Known for their large, basket shaped guards called quillons, this blade like the Arming sword, had many different variations but all of them were typically 1m long. These swords were popular among various soldiers, and were the primary weapon for heavy cavalry. Fencing with this sword was also extremely popular in Scotland, who became specialists in their use.
The final sword of this comp, the sabre is a popular sword used from the 1800s to present day. Curved, single edged blades had been used for hundreds of years in the middle east, and Europeans became interested in them after France Conquered Egypt in the Napoleonic Wars. The French brought many of these Mamaluke Swords (original users were the Mamluks) where it became fashionable for British and French Officers to wear. Sabres replaced Broadswords as the Cavalry weapon of choice, and eventually became a ceremonial weapon as modern militaries no longer found a use for them.
