I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought,
but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.
Albert Einstein
Mankind has always been very fascinated with weapons. We always had, and always will, fight wars. Initially, early humans used weapons to hunt but soon transformed them to kill each other. Now we have weapons of such destructive power that it is not even easy to imagine. If we look back into ancient times the war was very different indeed.
When we utter the words “ancient weapons,” swords, bows, spears, and axes flash our minds. Here we highlights a unique assortment of such old and unique weapons with unusual designs, backgrounds, and usages.
1 – Mere Club
The Maori tribes of New Zealand developed and used this simple-looking but a stable club. It is built from nephrite jade and measures 12 to 20 inches. It is used to jab or thrust instead of swinging downward blows. The Maori considered this club as a spiritual weapon. These clubs were passed down through generations. The Maoris believed that the clubs contained mana or spiritual force.
Maori Tribe's Mere Club (Image Source)The clubs symbolized leadership, and in case this Mere club was misplaced, tremendous efforts were put in to locate and return it to the owner.
2 – Hook Swords
The Shaolin monks of Northern China owned the Hook swords. These hooks swords beautifully and artistically designed. The blades are curved into a hook shape to connect the blades to the tip and convert them into a single long weapon.
Chinese Crescent Sword (Image Source)The crescent-shaped guards were used to block blows and for slashing enemies who got too close. The ends of the hilts were sharpened into daggers and were used to stab enemies at close range. These swords measured around 4 to 6 feet from top to the hook and were used mainly by the civilians.
3 – Kpinga
Kpinga, also known as a throwing knife was used by skilled warriors of the Azande tribe. This tribe was residents of Nubia, a place in Africa which consists of Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt. The knife is also called as Hunga Munga and measures up to 22 inches in length. It had three blades that extended from the center.
Kpinga, a bladed throwing knife was used by the Azande of Nubia (Image Source)Kpinga, also known as a throwing knife was used by skilled warriors of the Azande tribe. This tribe was residents of Nubia, a place in Africa which consists of Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt. The knife is also called as Hunga Munga and measures up to 22 inches in length. It had three blades that extended from the center.
4 – Macuahuitl
Macuahuitl is a massive sword-shaped wood piece with razor sharp pieces of obsidian in the sides. Since this weapon did not have a sharp point, it was not used for stabbing, but the Obsidian had jagged rows that gave real tearing power. This weapon could cut deep slashes in the enemy.
Maquahuitl (Image Source)The wood piece itself is quite heavy and strong to tackle the opponents efficiently. The Aztec would capture the enemy alive and used them for ritual sacrifices. Aztec would behead horses using this weapon as they are much thicker than an adult human being.
5 – Scissor
Used by the gladiators of ancient Roman empire, this odd-looking weapon was used in combats. This weapon is made of hardened steel and has a metal casing at the bottom.
Scissor was used by Gladiators (Image Source)The design of this weapon formed a long tube that covered the gladiator’s arm to allow easy block from the enemy. This weapon weighs around 5 to 7 pounds and has a unique shape and design.
6 – Chakram
Chakram (Image Source)The chakram is thrown vertically by spinning it on the index finger. This circular piece of metal measures up to a foot in diameter. It has an extremely sharp edge and slices the arms or legs of the enemies with ease. This weapon originated in India and is used extensively by the Indian Sikh community. It can be stacked on one another and can be hurled at the enemy with a sharp flick of the wrist.
7 – Chu Ko Nu
The Chu Ko Nu is yet another Chinese weapon that has a wooden case on the top of the crossbow and a rectangular lever on the back. It is an ancient version of an automatic rifle. The crossbow case holds up to 10 bolts.
Chinese Chu-Ko-Nu "repeating crossbow" is attributed to Chinese strategist Zhuge Liang. (Image Source)The lever is pulled back after firing a bolt. This weapon was used in the Sino-Japanese wars of 1894-1895. It can shoot a total of 10 bolts in 15 seconds. The bolts were tipped with poison from a deadly aconite flower which is also known as wolfsbane.
8 – Nest of Bees
Chinese Nest of Bees - a handheld weapon filled with 32 rocket-propelled arrows The nest of bees is yet another weapon owned by the Chinese. It is a wooden container filled with hexagon-shaped tubes. When viewed from the front, this weapon resembled a honeycomb. Inside each tube was a rocket-propelled arrow. When the rockets launched the arrows, it gave immense power and range than that of a traditional bow. Around 32 arrows could be fired from the nest at once.
9 – Katar
Katar is an Indian weapon that gave its owner the claws of Wolverine. It is a single blade weapon, however, when the trigger on the h-shaped handle is activated, the blade would divide into three.
Katar, Indian Dagger (Image Source)This weapon is used for stabbing and slashing. The blades are positioned to block attacks. The triple blades can easily pierce through any armor with ease.
10 – Zhua
Zhua, yet another Chinese weapon consists of an iron hand and sharp claw-like nails. It is used to cut through the flesh and tear it off from the body.
Double Zhua made of wrought iron (Image Source)The zhua is so heavy that it is enough to kill the opponent, but the claws made it deadlier. Professionals used this weapon to pull mounted soldiers off their horse. It was primarily used to remove the shields of the opponents.
