The sword – a lethal hand weapon that exemplifies personal power, status and authority – has its origins in the Bronze Age some 4,000 years ago. Whatever its design, it is effectively a steel bar with a cutting edge and stabbing point. The 15th-century long sword has become an icon of the late medieval period. A powerful and versatile weapon, the 'hand-and-a-half' was graced with a broad double-edged blade that tapered to a fine point. Hard and flexible, this sword also had a counterweight pommel for balance. Using the long sword in combat could be likened to a skilled yet brutal choreographed dance.