Many cultures are known for the aggressive development of iron and steel weaponry.
The 6th century Celts, the 11th century Vikings, the 13th century Japanese; each of these developed a method of sword-making called pattern-welding. Pattern welding involved folding the metal blade of a sword during manufacture, again and again, making a layer cake of hardness and strength.
But, in the 12th century AD, artisans of the Islamic civilization developed a solid core weapon that sent fear into the hearts of the Crusaders. That weapon, called Damascus steel, was developed by Syrian blacksmiths from a carbon-rich iron ore produced in southern and central Indian and Sri Lankan mines: wootz steel.
For more on Wootz steel and Damascan blades, pick a link and follow it.
But, in the 12th century AD, artisans of the Islamic civilization developed a solid core weapon that sent fear into the hearts of the Crusaders. That weapon, called Damascus steel, was developed by Syrian blacksmiths from a carbon-rich iron ore produced in southern and central Indian and Sri Lankan mines: wootz steel.
For more on Wootz steel and Damascan blades, pick a link and follow it.
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