When it comes to the weapons of Eastern warriors, we often imagine curved blades, which, as if, on a par with religion, are opposed to even European swords and swords. But few people know that one of the straight blades, which in the 17th century gained immense popularity in the West, came from the East. We are talking about a broadsword - a weapon with an even blade and a complex hilt, which by name is the "relative" of the executioner.
It is worth mentioning the etymology of the term "broadsword" first of all - after all, its "family ties" with the word "executioner" have a reason. The fact is that both names come from the same Türkic root “Pala”, which literally means “knife” or “dagger”. Paloy is also called a type of saber, which has been known in the Ottoman Empire since the 17th century - in Persian this weapon is called "gaddare". Specifically, the name "broadsword" was borrowed from the Poles, who, in turn, took over from the Hungarians. In addition, the same root can be found today in the Russian words familiar to the ear - "stick" and "club".
It is interesting that the first samples of edged weapons, which at least indirectly would fit the definition of a broadsword, were found during archaeological expeditions in the mounds of the Northern Black Sea coast of the 5th century. In addition, the golden broadsword of the ruler of the Unogundur tribe Kubrat, who is called by historians the founder of Great Bulgaria (Bulgaria), has become very famous. However, after broadswords were replaced by heavier double-edged swords or sabers, which, apparently, were more in line with the requirements of the time and practice of battles.
The broadsword is a vivid example of refuting the widespread stereotype that the warriors of the East have always preferred to fight with weapons with a curved blade. The first to use a straight blade were the Mongol-Tatars back in the XII-XIV centuries. The reason for this choice lay in the peculiarities of weapons production: the whole point is that a huge army it is easier to arm nomads with straight blades, because their production required less time and effort.
Broadswords in various modifications are found, in fact, throughout the Caucasus, the Middle East, Central Asia and India during the Middle Ages. Then they were distinguished by small hilts with a simple crosshair, which only partially covered the hand. The sharpening of the blade varied: it was both one-sided and one-and-a-half. Given the fact that in the East broadswords were called half-sabers, they were apparently considered something like a simplified saber, and not as an independent type of weapon.
But on the territory of Western Europe broadswords evolved from knightly swords. Therefore, back in the 16th century, it is quite difficult to distinguish one from the other. However, after their development went different ways: the cavalry sword gradually "lightened" the blade and increased its length - such an evolution was due to the adaptation to the techniques of a complex fencing. The broadsword, on the contrary, continued to have a relatively short blade - on average about one meter - and did not decrease in mass, which increased the force of the blow.
Amazingly, in a sense, the sword did even more damage during fencing compared to the sword. The thing is that the massive blade inflicted a stronger thrust, especially if it was necessary to pierce the knight's armor. However, it was nevertheless the infliction of chopping blows that was the main practice of the rider's use of a broadsword: although they were more primitive, they provided efficiency with brute force. It was the technique of using this weapon that provided for him the presence of a complex hilt: heavy chopping blows required the protection of the hand.
The most common types of Western European broadswords were the Walloon sword, which is also called the Walloon sword and the so-called "dead sword". The first was the most popular in Central and Northern Europe and, perhaps, it was he who became the prototype for the combat broadswords of the heavy European cavalry of the 18-19 centuries. The Walloon sword had a characteristic feature - a protruding front plate of the hilt, which sometimes consisted of two halves. The "deceased sword" was also called "haudegen" and was the main weapon of the British army of the new model - "iron-sided" Oliver Cromwell. He also had a distinctive feature - the absence of a cross.
There were several different modifications of the broadsword: in particular, some of them were intended for the infantry. The most famous of this series is the Scottish Highlanders' broadsword, which is often confused with claymore. The blade was heavy and rough, therefore only physically strong people could fully control it. In Italy, there was a version of a broadsword for the infantry - a schiavon, with which the hired guard of the Venetian doges was armed.
Interesting fact: in translation from the Italian language "Schiavona" means "Slavic sword".
In the Russian Empire, the broadsword became widespread in the late 16th - early 17th centuries. According to the well-known version, they came from the lands of the Middle East, but at first they did not gain much demand. And only at the beginning of the 18th century, they entered the everyday life of the army in full. At the same time, broadswords were already European: they appeared during the creation of a new type of army by Peter I, who, in particular, formed the dragoon regiments.
READ ALSO: 8 things we often see, but do not know what they are for
After the death of Peter the Great, the broadsword received the status of a standard weapon of a cuirassier, half a century later, in the second half of the 18th century, it was put into service with the Life Guards, horse artillery, and even the Carabinieri companies. The classic broadsword in the Russian army of that period is double-edged, one arshin and three vershok long (about 85 centimeters), with a solid cup or lattice on the hilt. The shape of the latter, as well as the appearance of the scabbard, depended on the owner. Several types of broadswords were distinguished: army and guards, soldiers and officers, cuirassiers, dragoons and carabineros. In addition, until 1826, this weapon was also in service in the gendarme units.
At the end of the 19th century, the design of the broadsword was simplified as much as possible - in particular, this affected the shape of the hilt. With the development of firearms and artillery, the role of heavy cavalry was pushed to the periphery. The composition of the army itself also changed: subunits were abolished, and with them broadswords were removed from service. In the end, broadswords remained only as a ceremonial weapon. Today, they are worn in parades by assistants at the banner in the navy.
>>>>Ideas for life | NOVATE.RU<<<<
Today the broadsword is only part of the ceremonial and historical uniforms. / Photo: pinterest.ru
In addition to the topic: Saber and checker: what is the difference between almost identical blades
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/310820/55848/