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The Magnificence of Swords by Kaila West
Swords have a colorful history and are still thought of highly by most cultures today.
Throughout history many weapons have faded in and out of use either by practicality or technological advancement. For instance, muskets replaced the bow and arrow, and swords replaced clubs. However, swords are still in use today and have maintained their legendary status throughout the ages. They have changed very little except for the materials with which they are made.
As timeless classics and war pieces that have served for millennia, swords have captivated the minds of their creators. The metal-cast weapons of choice for many conquerors have been in use since the third millennium BC. Originally casted with bronze, swords quickly grew as a revolutionary weapon that evolved greatly throughout the ages. Swords were highly valued and, in short, were a sign of great strength. The Bronze Age lasted for nearly two millennia and was then succeeded by the Iron Age. During this time period, the Greeks and Romans shared the common technology which allowed them to conquer a great majority of the then developed world.
A common misconception was that iron wasn