The 10 Most Bizarre and Deadliest Weapons in the World in Antiquity
For centuries men have been creating tools to hurt, torture and kill their enemies, long before modern pistols that kill people with a few shots. In the past there were weapons that had slower and more painful methods that certainly none of us want to pass. Here are some of these sinister models (if you know more weird and cruel weapons, share with us in the comments):
1 - Zhua
Characterized as being an iron fist, Zhua (which literally means claw) was used in China in imperial times. This insane utensil was used to tear out the skin and certain parts of people's bodies and could be extremely slow and painful or faster. When wielded by skilled soldiers, people could be knocked down by horses by getting caught in Zhua's claws (or fingers).
2 - Katar
Katar is of Indian origin and consists of a type of bracelet attached with sharp blades (usually three), as if it formed an arm extension. Widely used by mercenaries in ancient times, with Katar it was possible to execute the victims quickly in silence and accurately. They were also designed to pierce armor and allowed for faster attacks.
3 - Urumi
In some places known as Aara, this deadly utensil also has Indian origin. It is a long sword (which in some cases can reach as much as three meters in length), but it is quite flexible. Since the steel used here is very malleable, the attacks on it are similar to those caused by a whip, but much more severe.
4 - Bee's Nest
The Bee's Nest is a type of Chinese weapon in the shape of a hexagonal tube with a total of 32 arrows. Seemingly harmless, the 32 arrows can be fired simultaneously at the target when fired with fire, as if they were small rockets. With 32 arrows flying towards you, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to escape alive if attacked.
5 - Chukonu
Another Chinese creation, the Chukonu is practically an ancestor of the automatic rifle. The upper wooden support allows ten arrows to be allocated, automatically coming into position when the others are fired. On average, the ten arrows could be fired in as little as 10 seconds, causing quite a damage and saving attack time (archers took much longer). To make matters worse, the arrows carried doses of poison.
6 - Chakram
Chakram is originally from India and can be extremely fatal. This circular weapon is very sharp at the tips and when thrown it can easily cut limbs of its victims. However, to handle it correctly requires a lot of skill. This deadly circle of steel is usually 30 centimeters in diameter and is always thrown vertically.
7 - Gladiator Scissors
Do not think about the scissors we have in our homes or cases. The scissors used by gladiators in Rome during the times of the Roman Empire were fatal and very painful. The metal compartment was attached to the warriors' arms (similar to Katar's), allowing to block attacks and attack. Made of heavy metal, they were approximately 50 centimeters.
8 - Macuahuitl
Don't let your eyes fool you, because Macuahuitl is a very painful weapon, despite being unable to pierce people. It is basically a large, sword-shaped piece of wood with small pieces of volcanic glass on either side. Of Mexican origin, it was commonly used by the Aztecs as a club and in typical sacrificial rituals.
9 - Kpinga
The Azande tribes in Africa used this knife variation as a fatal weapon. Some models were over six inches long and nearly all had three blades that were constantly sharp. When the weapon-bearing warriors were married, they gave their kpingas to the woman's family members.
10 - Hook Swords
Chinese hook swords were carried by Shaolin monks as defense weapons. They are characterized by being slightly curved and having a hook shape at one end and can be connected with other swords. They may not be as cruel as the other weapons on this list, but they could be deadly if handled well.
Recommended
