Samurai+Weapons

During the Middle Ages, Samurai fought in Japan. The Samurai used various armor and weapons during combat.

Weapons
There were a long variety of weapons the Samurai used, including the Katana, the Wakizashi, the Tanto, the bow, and more.
 * [[image:chardonworldhistorytextbook:martial,arts,samurai,sword-89afbb6a3c07a3d2ebbd1b1cce736a02_h.jpg width="223" height="300" caption="Some Samurai Weaponry."]] ||
 * Some Samurai Weaponry. ||

The Katana
It is said that the Katana is a Samurai's best weapon for fighting. It's the "Samurai's soul," and that the person could be entirely dependant on the katana for fighting.

The Wakizashi
This weapon is considered the Samurai's "honorable weapon." The Samurai always has this weapon with them. They would always take them into their homes and leave their other ones outside. The Wakizashi was also used for ritualized suicide, along with the Tanto.

The Tanto
This weapon resembled a small knife. It varied weather it was worn with or without the Wakizashi. Tantos were also used for ritualized suicides.

The Longbow
A Samurai always had a skill for using the longbow. They could use them when riding horseback, or when fighting on foot. It was always important to the Japanese military. They were constructed out of bamboo, wood, rattan and leather.

The Spear
During that time, the Spear also became a likable weapon by the samurai. They could use them for charging, which was more effective than rather a Katana. A Spear was usually a sharp blade attached to a wooden stick.

Armor
A Samurai's armor was just as important as the weapons they used, this helps them from being hurt in battle. The armor they wore was often lightweight and brightly painted. Here are the few components for Samurai Armor:
 * [[image:chardonworldhistorytextbook:samurai_armor_229.jpg width="196" height="288" caption="A complete set of Samurai armor."]] ||
 * A complete set of Samurai armor. ||


 * Silk Clothing was worn under the armor to protect the wearer from arrow attacks. This made it eaiser to pull the arrow out if shot.
 * The skirted chest armor was made up of millions of scales.
 * The shoulder armor were huge rectangles.
 * Samurai also wore metal gauntlets.
 * There were armored gloves to protect the wearer from the enemy's Katana.
 * The Kabuto was the Samurai's head gear.
 * A Menpo was a metal mask designed to scare the attackers off.
 * A sash was worn to carry the Samurai's weapons.
 * They wore tight leggings with baggy pants.
 * They wore woven sandals.

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