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Greg Griggs
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 Posted: Wed 02 May, 2007 8:32 am Post subject: Question about Saracen weapons during the Crusades |
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As a number of fictional and supposedly historical books have come out in recent years about the Crusades, and the fact that this is the timeline I'm most interested in at the moment, I would like to know if anyone has any historically accurate descriptions of the weapons used by the Muslim/Saracen nations during the years from 1095-1291. Did they use pole arms, blunts, axes, and what style of bows? What type of swords did they use? Straight blade, curved blade, single-edged, etc? I know the term "scimitar" is a Victorian Anglo term for a curved blade used in the Mid-East, but my understanding is those blades didn't come about until the 17th-18th century (not sure of exact time). Any help would be appreciated, especially if it can be backed up with historical references. Something other than the typical Osprey books. I have those. Yes, a part of this is not only for my own edification, but also because I am in contact with a writer who has written a couple of best sellers on the subject and we are wanting to settle a "disagreement." 
Thanks!
-Greg
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
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Hisham Gaballa
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Greg Griggs
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| Posted: Thu 03 May, 2007 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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Hisham,
Thank you for the links. The SFI discussion has enough pictures left to give a good impression. Interesting that the blades were straight but a lot of hilts had some curve. Was a little surprised that there were some curved sabres, but then again the poster mentions that they were not in wide use until much later. Take care, good Sir.
-Greg
Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
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Hisham Gaballa
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| Posted: Thu 03 May, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject: |
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| Greg Griggs wrote: | Hisham,
Thank you for the links. The SFI discussion has enough pictures left to give a good impression. Interesting that the blades were straight but a lot of hilts had some curve. Was a little surprised that there were some curved sabres, but then again the poster mentions that they were not in wide use until much later. Take care, good Sir.-Greg |
You're welcome. 
Curved sabres were used in Central Asia since at least the 10th century BC if not much earlier. They were not used in large numbers in the Middle East until after the Seljuq invasions of the 11th century.
With regards to hilts, most of the hilts you see in the photos are 15th and 16th century Mamluk and Ottoman replacements. Arab pictorial evidence (in the form of depictions on brass objects and miniature paintings) from the 12th-13th century suggests that Middle Eastern straight swords had hilts with a straight grip, down turned quillons and a spherical pommel.
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