Arms in Action

How man has defended himself through the ages, from the use of a simple stick as protection against animals and human attackers to the development of complex martial arts.

A look at how hunting techniques and tools developed as the practice moved from being a practical way to catch food to a demonstration of wealth and standing amongst the aristocracy.

Nearly every civilisation made a bow in order to hunt and kill. See how archery has developed from the days of Robin Hood to the modern day deadly crossbows.

In the 14th century war was a knife-fight; artillery brought us the dubious attributes of mass carnage and, ultimately, the weapons of mass destruction of the modern day.

A look at the fact and fiction surrounding the knights of old. What was their code of honour and how did they really behave on and off the battlefield?