Author: Source Wikipedia

Publisher: University-Press.org

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 122

ISBN-13: 9781230599397

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 121. Chapters: Sword, Crossbow, Sling, Pike, Pole weapon, Spear, Lance, Mace, Dagger, Burning glass, Pilum, Early thermal weapons, List of premodern combat weapons, Composite bow, Axe, Atlatl, Club, Siege engine, Dart, Falx, Tomahawk, Meteor hammer, Mere, Illyrian weaponry, Blowgun, Falcata, Bow string, Sica, Sarissa, Trident, Staff, Urumi, Yatagan, Chakram, Lathi, Rhomphaia, Angon, Vajra-musti, Dory, Migration Period spear, Sverd, Throwing stick, Parashu, Toggling harpoon, Makhaira, Bolas, Korean spears, Dagger-axe, Dirk, Claw of Archimedes, Falarica, Clipeus, Soliferrum, Kestros, Eku, Xyston, Sagaris, Peltarion, Harpe, Pernach, Surujin, Sibyna, Parazonium, List of ancient weapons, Verutum, Tepoztopilli, Oxborough Dirk, Spiculum, Throwing axe, Perso-Parthian bow, Wahaika, Inuit weapons, Kotiate, Mesangylon, Hunting dagger, Keteriya, M ripi, Naboot, Lancea, Bident, Masakari. Excerpt: Early thermal weapons were devices or substances used in warfare during the classical and medieval periods (approx 8th century BC until the mid-16th century AD) which used heat or burning action to destroy or damage enemy personnel, fortifications or territories. Incendiary devices were frequently used as projectiles during warfare, particularly during sieges and naval battles; some substances were boiled or heated to inflict damage by scalding or burning. Other substances relied on their chemical properties to inflict burns or damage. These weapons or devices could be used by individuals, manipulated by war machines, or utilised as army strategy. The simplest, and most common, thermal projectiles were boiling water and hot sand, which could be poured over attacking personnel. Other anti-personnel weapons included the use of hot pitch, oil, resin, animal fat and other similar compounds. Smoke was used to confuse or drive off attackers. Substances...