Asger Risom
From sharpened stones to unmanned drones, the history of warfare is inseparable from the weapons that defined it. These 10 game-changing arms reshaped empires, militaries, and the world.
From sharpened stones to unmanned drones, the history of warfare is inseparable from the weapons that defined it. These 10 game-changing arms reshaped empires, militaries, and the world.
Bone – Man’s First Weapon
The first tool was also the first weapon. Early humans used bones, and eventually stone-tipped spears, to hunt and fight, gaining survival advantages over rivals like Neanderthals.
Gladius – Sword of the Roman Empire
The Roman gladius wasn’t just a weapon. It was an empire-builder. Simple, deadly, and easy to forge, this double-edged blade helped Rome conquer vast territories across three continents.
Longbow – From Wales to World Power
The English longbow, first encountered in Wales, revolutionized medieval warfare. At the Battle of Crécy, longbowmen helped a smaller English force rout a much larger French army.
Gunpowder – An Eastern Invention with Global Reach
First used in China, gunpowder redefined combat with rockets and cannons. By the 13th century, its explosive power had spread westward, transforming how wars were fought.
Colt Revolver – The Gun That Won the West
Invented in 1836 by Samuel Colt, the revolver was crucial for American settlers and soldiers. It became a Civil War staple and symbol of frontier resilience and control.
AK-47 – Revolution in a Rifle
Rugged, cheap, and reliable, the AK-47 armed Cold War-era rebels and regulars alike. Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, it remains the most recognizable assault rifle in the world.
Chlorine Gas – The Birth of Chemical Warfare
First deployed in World War I under German chemist Fritz Haber, chlorine gas opened a dark new chapter. Its legacy haunts battlefields through to modern conflicts.
Fokker Triplane – Dominance in the Skies
The Red Baron’s plane of choice, the German Fokker triplane marked the dawn of aerial dogfighting. Borrowed from British design, it changed war from above forever.
Drones – War Without the Front Line
From garages to global impact, drones like the Predator removed distance from death. Developed by Abraham Karem, these machines redefined not only modern combat, but also ethics.
The Nuclear Bomb – Apocalypse Engineered
Born of fear and science, the atomic bomb ended World War II and began a terrifying new era. Its power, both unmatched and unused since, remains the ultimate deterrent and danger.