The Art of War Trivia Quiz

Answer: Obsidian

The macuahuitl was the Aztec version of the European sword. It was actually a wooden club that had extremely sharp blades of volcanic glass (obsidian) embedded on two sides. This weapon was used in hand to hand combat with other tribes in the area and against the invading Europeans.

The club was shaped somewhat like a modern boat oar and was designed to incapacitate by cutting, slashing, and breaking the bones of the opponent.

Answer: Haiti

The kris is a serpentine bladed weapon that originated in the Indonesian archipelago and was popular in Java, Bali, Thailand and the Philippines. This beautiful weapon was believed to be endowed with its own spirit and was very carefully made. It was used in close combat in the same manner as other swords from around the world.

The kris was often given a name and was a family heirloom that was often passed down through the generations.

Answer: False

This statement is false. The trebuchet is a type of catapult that had the ability to fling a projectile as heavy as 350 lbs.(160 kg.) It was very effective at destroying enemy fortifications and causing great bodily harm to numerous people at one time. The first trebuchets are believed to have been used in 4th century China and were still a part of warfare well into the 15th century.

Answer: Bolas

Bolas are a projectile weapon that involved a narrow length of leather with a stone ball attached to each end. While they were usually used for hunting, the Incas were known to use them in warfare very effectively. Thrown at the legs of the other competitor, they usually caused the other person to fall while they entangled themselves around the legs of the competitor.

A well-placed throw to the head could cause serious injury and/or even death. This ancient weapon is thought to have been used in various parts of the world for many hundreds of years, but may have originated in South America.

Answer: Cestus

A cestus was a type of hand covering made of leather strips that were loaded with lead and/or iron. This object was used in hand to hand combat as a war weapon, as well as being one of the first types of gloves used in pugilism. Some of them were fitted with spikes and/or cutting blades to ensure maximum damage.

This weapon was used in gladiatorial bouts that involved slaves fighting to the death. This simple weapon was easy to make, easy to use, and very effective.

Answer: Crossbow

The Chinese were using crossbows as early as the 6th century B.C. This efficient weapon spread to Europe and the Mediterranean regions. It did not require as much strength as conventional bows of the time. It was also easier to use and required much less training to become proficient.

As with all weapons, there are many variations but most can be identified by the "T" shape of the weapon.

Answer: Sword hidden in user's hand

The shuriken is a type of hand-held bladed weapon that comes in many shapes and styles. They can be used for throwing, stabbing, and slashing. The word shuriken translates into "sword hidden in user's hand". This ancient Japanese weapon has been used for centuries with great effectiveness as they could be used in hand to hand combat, as well a combat from a distance.

There are many terms for this small hand-held weapon including shaken, and ninja stars. These were usually used as a back-up weapon as Japanese warriors were usually armed with a variety of weapons including their famous knives.

Answer: False

Originating over 13 centuries ago, Clovis points originated in the Clovis culture of North America. They were larger points that were used on spears instead of arrows. Named after the city of Clovis, New Mexico, these are some of the oldest bladed stone weapons that used bifacial flaking.

This means they were sharpened from both sides, which made a much sharper weapon with better balance.

Answer: Flail

The flail is an ancient war weapon that consisted of a striking ball that was attached to a wooden handle usually by chain, but sometimes by woven leather. This weapon has been used in many ancient cultures and has many different names. It is thought to have possibly been a variation of an agricultural tool that was used in ancient times. Generally used in close combat, one of the flail's best points was its ability to cause great damage to his opponents shield or to avoid it completely. Using the flail accurately was very difficult and in close quarters it was easy to hit the wrong person, sometimes even yourself.

Answer: Foot

The name 'caltrop' is derived from the Latin wood 'calcitrapa', which means foot-trap. This sharp, somewhat barbaric weapon was meant to damage the feet of soldiers, horses, camels, and elephants. These have been used for over two thousand years and crippled or destroyed many animals and men.

There are many designs for the caltrop, but all of them are designed so that no matter how it lays on the ground, a sharp point is always sticking upright. In modern times, this design has been used by police to puncture the tires of fleeing criminals.