Throughout the ages, civilization have risen and
fallen based upon the sophistication of their
weaponry. As metalworking became increasingly
advanced, swords became denser and harder.
The first great advance in sword making occurred
during the Bronze Age. Swords were cast from
molten metal and, once cooled, hammered to
increase the density. Eventually, after the advent
of iron and the coming of the Iron Age, weapons
manufactured from this harder metal were able
to cut through their softer bronze counterparts.
The Iron Age highlighted the impressive
advantage gained by those civilizations that had
access to superior resources and advance
technologies. While many older blade shapes
were carried into the Iron Age, the use of iron led
to a greater variety of blade types and styles,
allowing the sword maker to create weapons that
were also works of art.
- (GDC.010)
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