The first swords in Europe appeared around 500 BC, though their design owed much to the Celtic swords from ancient times. The swords were straight, with a sharp edge on each side. Blades were nearly three feet long and featured a handle or grip. The blades were cut thin to keep them light and made them easy to wield during battle. The thinness of the blade increased as it reached the end of the rounded top.

These swords slowly changed during the Middle Ages. Later swords featured a heavier and stronger blade, which worked in two ways. Fighters could use the weapon as a blade or as a blunt instrument when trapped in battle. They also needed swords that were stronger because the thinner models couldn't pierce the armor their opponents wore.

When Europeans first began using swords, they didn't focus on protective gear or armor of any kind. Chain mail was created as a way of protecting those in battle. The chain mail was lightweight and made of strong pieces of metal welded together. As swords changed, the armor needed to change to catch up. Heavier swords could easily piece through the chain mail and possibly even break it before striking the person.

Plate armor was created as a new type of protective gear. This is often found in adult costumes that mimic medieval suits of armor. The armor was often made of iron and specially heated to give the surface more strength. This was worn over the entire body and sometimes made it a little hard to move quickly or easily. It was especially popular during the Crusades.

Sword fighting was used extensively during the Crusades and by Crusaders fighting during those battles. They utilized different systems of fighting depending on their role in society. Knights for example often used horses and used their swords in a downward sweeping motion. Those with a lower position often used their swords in a defensive position by holding it almost like a club. They were more concerned about surviving the battle than killing as many people as possible.

Swordsmanship is an idea that came about during the Renaissance. This was viewed as a more civilized way of fighting. Published books of the time even suggested that men dueled against each other for fun and sport. Newer lighter weight swords with an ultra thin blade were introduced, which led to the sport of fencing.

The history of fencing actually dates back to the 1500s in Italy. Fencers held a dagger in one hand, which they used to block their opponents. In the other hand they used a rapier or thin and skinny sword. The popularity of fencing slowly spread to other areas including France and England. It wasn't until years later that they began using protective gear for fencing.

Resources on this topic include:

• Medieval Swords : offers a look at medieval swords including museum examples and sources on the subject.

• Armor and Weaponry : looks at the different types of weapons and armor used in the Middle Ages.

• Knights and Armor : discusses the armor worn by knights during medieval times.

• Middle Ages Weapons : offers examples of the weapons used during this era.

• Medieval and Renaissance Knife Fighting History : focuses on the use of swords in the renaissance era.

• A History of Fencing : gives a detailed history of fencing dating back to similar sports in ancient times.

• The History of Weapons : looks at different types of weapons throughout time including swords.

Renaissance swords are often used in adult Halloween costumes resembling this era, but many don't know the history of those items. The swords were a way of life for many people who had to use them as a means of survival. The modern day sword resembles those that were once used during medieval times.