The sword that dominated the western world for more than 3000 years was straight and broad bladed.

Shapes and sizes varied widely throughout history, from the shorter Roman gladius to the formidable Scottish two-handed claymore. The broadsword was used for both cutting and thrusting.

In the late middle ages and the Renaissance, numerous manuals on the use of the broadsword were published in Europe, giving testimony to highly developed systems of combat with this weapon.