A Symbol of Prestige and Power: What We (Don't) Know About the History of the European Swords

From Bronze Blades to Giant Two-Handed Swords

The very first swords showed up in the Bronze Age, around 1700 BCE. They were rather short, and designed more for stabbing than slashing.

Things started to shift during the Iron Age, especially with the rise of the Celts. Celtic swords stepped things up with longer blades, better balance, and sometimes even elaborate decorations that showed off how rich or important the owner was.

Even in the ancient world, the sword became an essential part of every warrior’s gear. Just think of the famous gladius - a short sword with a strong, diamond-shaped cross section, famously used by gladiators and Roman infantry.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe plunged into chaos, and the uncertain times that followed deeply affected craftsmanship and trade.

Swords became too expensive for most people, as they were too costly and time-consuming to make.

And yet, Merovingian and Carolingian swords emerged during the early medieval period. These were the predecessors of the iconic double-edged, straight swords that would define European warfare from the 12th to the 15th centuries.

Main Types of European Swords

The way swords were built, and how they were used, changed a lot over the centuries. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you get a better idea about the fascinating history of swords in Europe:

The Sword and Its Purpose

1. The sword as a tool of justice - During the reign of Charlemagne, the sword became a powerful symbol of justice. History books, and even films, are full of references to executions by sword, where those condemned to death were beheaded. The sword also played a role in resolving disputes between nobles. If both parties agreed, they would face each other in a duel. Whoever won the duel, won the dispute.
2. The sword as a ceremonial object - The sword played a key role in the ritual of knighting, also known as the accolade. During the ritual, a squire was tapped on the shoulders with a sword, and he would receive a new sword of his own, marking his official entry into knighthood.
3. The sword as a cultural symbol - The sword played a significant role not only on the battlefield, but also in art and culture. Legendary warriors like King Arthur and Beowulf gained much of their fame through the power of their swords. Across Europe, many iconic swords have shaped history, such as the Saint Wenceslas Sword used in Czech royal coronations.

Types of Swords Through the Centuries

In Europe alone, a wide variety of swords emerged and spread across the region. Let’s look at some of the most well-known ones:

One-handed sword - The oldest type of sword, which continued to dominate throughout the high and late Middle Ages. By this time, it took the form of the familiar double-edged sword, typically carried by warriors along with a  shield. Both foot soldiers and mounted knights used the one-handed sword.

Two-handed sword - The first two-handed swords likely appeared in Europe between 1250 and 1350. These were massive swords, often exceeding 120 centimetres in length and weighing between 2 to 2.5 kilograms.

In the right (or wrong) hands, a sword like that could be terrifying. Just the sight of it was often enough to scare off enemies and avoid a fight altogether.

Bastard sword (or “hand-and-a-half sword”) - A compromise between the one-handed and two-handed swords. The name comes from the French “ épée bâtarde”. This “hybrid” weapon appeared in the 14th century and featured a longer grip, allowing the warrior to hold it with one hand or both hands.

Rapier – A light, elegant sword that became primarily a civilian weapon. The first mention of a rapier likely dates back to 1474. It was preferred by nobles for duels and later used in fencing tournaments, which began to appear in France and Spain during the 15th century.

Anatomy of a Medieval European Sword

While dozens of sword variations emerged during the Middle Ages, the basic structure remained largely the same:

1. Blade – Most medieval swords had a straight, double-edged blade. Its strength and flexibility depended on how it was tempered and what type of steel was used.
2. Sword guard (crossguard) – The metal piece that separates the blade from the grip. It helped block enemy strikes.
3. Grip – The part held by the wielder. A longer grip allowed better control in combat. Two-handed swords often had grips extended by 20–30 centimetres. The grip usually had a steel core, wrapped in wood and covered in leather or wire. Wealthier sword owners often had their grips richly decorated.
4. Pommel – The knob at the end of the sword hilt, which helped balance the blade. In close combat, it could also be used as a blunt weapon. Pommels were often artfully cast, engraved, or even decorated with crosses, serving both functional and decorative purposes.

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