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AK's avatar

What are the most terrifying weapons that ancient civilizations used?

Asked by AK (1597points) February 6th, 2021

Let’s not talk about swords, bows, arrows and axes…those are common ones. What are those exotic weapons that ancient humans used terrifyingly and effectively? Like for example, a whip sword… I’ve found out that there were separate regimens in ancient asian armies that specialized in whip swords and used them with terrifying effect in wars. What other such weapons are largely unknown to us modern humans?

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5 Answers

zenvelo's avatar

I’d say burning liquids launched by catapult or trebuchet. Have some boiling oil or a potful of heated tree pitch dumped on a squadron of enemy, take them right out of action. And getting hot pine tar thrown in your face will disfigure you for life if it doesn’t kill you.

kritiper's avatar

Mace and chain with morning star. Or the mace, minus chain, that was known as a morning star.
Pitchfork. Farm tools, such as the flail, were often used in ancient combat.

Tropical_Willie's avatar

Greek fire was an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire beginning c. 672. Used to set light to enemy ships, it consisted of a combustible compound emitted by a flame-throwing weapon. Some historians believe it could be ignited on contact with water, and was probably based on naphtha and quicklime. – - Wikipedia

filmfann's avatar

Not an open field weapon, but a weapon for torture: The Iron Maiden.

RocketGuy's avatar

They catapulted diseased animal corpses over castle walls to spread disease: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_biological_warfare

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