Samurai
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
Code of Bushido
Little represents the idolized samurai and their code of bushido better than their sword, the katana. Although not the only weapon available to samurai, the sword is the only weapon that has remained constant to the samurai throughout time. The katana (long sword), the wakizashi (medium sword) and the tanto (short sword) haven't always been the primary weapon of choice for warfare, however. Yabusame, the art of horseback archer...
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Phalanx Formations
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
The Classical Phalanx
Drums beat in the distance, keeping the rhythm of the advance. The hot Greek sun beats down on you under your heavy armor and equipment. The overlapping shields of you and your fellow soldiers keeps you locked into formation, steadily advancing towards your enemy. Several yards out from the enemy line, the order is given to charge. You crash into your opponents shield with a sickening crunch; the pushing match has begun. Fri...
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Viking Ships
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
The Viking was a terror on land but maybe more known for the trouble caused from their now famous long ships (801300). Any coastal European town that could be reached in the high prowed, low draft ships was fair game. Even amongst themselves, wars were fought frequently from the decks of these large warships....