0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- 888
0:00:14 > 0:00:16- 888
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- I enjoyed playing the part - of Twm Sion Cati in Hawkmoor.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- Forever fighting, - I learnt a lot about weapons.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32- This programme features medieval - combat...
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- ..as portrayed in the past - and the present.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- We'll see - the famous Japanese sword...
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- ..and combat - in Shakespeare's plays.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- In the Dark Ages, the Saxons - and the Vikings reached Britain.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- Then, - the Normans provided a challenge.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- After 1066 - and the Norman Invasion...
0:01:00 > 0:01:05- ..the wide-blade sword became - the standard sword on a battlefield.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08- It changed very little - during the Middle Ages...
0:01:09 > 0:01:11- ..because it was such a good weapon.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- Thanks to the tales - of King Arthur...
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- ..and the Knights - of the Round Table...
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- ..the code of chivalry developed.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- These were the rules of how to fight - with courage and courtesy.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- The sword was a powerful symbol - of the code.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- A knight mirrored the ideals.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- Who better than a knight - with his sword...
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- ..to lead the Holy Crusades?
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- The sword was the root of this idea.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- You were forbidden to unsheathe - your sword without reason.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- The tip of the sword - was forbidden to touch the ground.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- Before battle, - a knight would kiss the handle.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- The Crusades were battles between - Christianity's wide-blade sword...
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- ..and the Muslim scimitar.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- Paramount represents - Cecil B DeMille's production...
0:02:20 > 0:02:22- ..The Crusades.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- Over two centuries, - there were nine Crusades.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- The European Christians - challenged the Muslims.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- Jerusalem had to be reclaimed - from the enemy.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- Battles in the name of religion - were often massacres.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- At the Battle of Hattin in 1187...
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- ..the Crusaders - were conquered by Saladin.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- The wide-blade sword - surrendered to the scimitar.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- This is the type of wide-blade sword - a Crusader would have used.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- It was found near the Thames - in London...
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- ..when the Houses of Parliament - were built.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- It could wound a soldier - where his body wasn't protected.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- These are Arabian swords - with fine decoration.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- Saladin's soldiers would have - used swords similar to these...
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- ..which are part - of the Royal Collection in Leeds.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- Arabian swords were long and curved.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- This shape developed - in central Asia...
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- ..where nomads rode horses - into battle.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- The curved sword, the scimitar...
0:03:46 > 0:03:53- ..made it easier for a knight - to strike his enemy down.
0:03:53 > 0:03:59- It also made it easier for him - to remove the sword from the body.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- The Arab sword was shrouded - in mystery.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- The Damascus sword.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- The sword's sharp blade - was legendary.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- The blade was made using - wootz steel from India and silicon.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- Since the 16th century...
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- ..no-one has managed - to make a similar one...
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- ..because the technology - has been lost.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- It's believed that the source - of the raw material ran out.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- It will never be possible to - manufacture another sword like this.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- Welsh knights were involved - in the battles in the Holy Land.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- The Earl of Pembroke - came from Wales.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- He was a Crusader - and accomplished knight.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- William Marshall was the most famous - tournament fighter...
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- ..and knight of his time.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- This sprawling castle was his home.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- He was rewarded generously - for his loyalty to King Richard I.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- In a time of treason and deception, - loyalty was rare.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- I'm in the Royal Armouries Museum in - Leeds to witness a grand tournament.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- Marshall would have enjoyed - being here.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Before the tournament, - I want to see more of the armour.
0:05:24 > 0:05:30- By the middle of the 13th century, - knights wore plate armour...
0:05:31 > 0:05:32- ..instead of chain mail.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- A heavier sword was required - to cut through the plate armour.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Incredible. - Wearing it was another story.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- The tournaments were competitions - between teams of knights.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- Accidents happened - but the aim wasn't bloodshed.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- It was a way of training knights - but the price could be high.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- The defeated knight - was taken prisoner.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- A ransom had to be paid - for his release.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- That's how the Earl of Pembroke - amassed his fortune.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- This joust - is an international competition...
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- ..between France, - Holland and Britain.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- The purpose of armour was to protect - a soldier from a sword.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- Circular discs were added to protect - the body's most fragile areas.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- The neck...
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- ..armpit and groin - were important targets.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52- They're movable parts of the body - so hard to protect.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- It's a dangerous game according - to the Dutch team's captain...
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- ..Arne Koets or Lord of the Eagle.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- Even if the visor is closed...
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- ..you try and strike through it - to wound the brain.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- If the visor is open, - that offers an easier target.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- It depends on the helmet.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- Sometimes, the front of the neck or - the side of the neck is more open.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- The armpits are important. - This is the primary target.
0:07:26 > 0:07:32- A weapon can pierce the chain mail - to wound the heart and the lungs.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- You'd expect moving to be difficult.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- The armour allows you - to move relatively easily.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- You can raise your arms - above your head.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- I can touch the opposite side - of my head, cross my arms...
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- ..and raise my arms - to protect myself.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- The apron is very flexible.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- It allows me - to lunge forward or leap.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- The plate moves like a concertina.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11- The footwear and knees - all parts - are flexible and can bend.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- Even the tops of the legs. - I can raise them easily.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- It's rather comfortable, - to be honest.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- Owain Glyndwr was raised - in this tradition.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- He would have learnt the skills - as a young boy.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- I spoke to Dr Kate Olson - from Bangor University...
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- ..about his military background.
0:08:44 > 0:08:50- He was descended from the princes - of Powys, Deheubarth and Gwynedd.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- As a boy, he would have received - a lot of weapon training.
0:08:55 > 0:09:02- We know that he was involved - in battles in Scotland in 1385.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- He also fought in France.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- The poets commend his skills - on horseback.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- He was also very skilled - with his spears and his sword.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- I wonder which sword Glyndwr used.
0:09:26 > 0:09:32- We have the only contemporary image - of Owain - the Great Seal.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- On the one side...
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- ..it shows Owain - sitting on his throne...
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- ..holding a sceptre and an orb.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- He looks like a nobleman - and, more importantly, a king...
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- ..in the style of the English kings.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- On the other side...
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- ..we see Owain on horseback - carrying a sword.
0:09:55 > 0:10:01- This is a very important image - of Owain with a sword in his hand.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- Here's an example of the sword.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- The blade near the handle - is wide and the sword is heavier.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Receiving a sword as a gift - was a special honour.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31- Our information suggests he received - a sword from the King of France...
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- ..in 1404.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- He was trying to forge - diplomatic relations with France...
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- ..during the rebellion.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- Two of his men visited France.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- The King of France - gave him a sword and armour.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- He was very fond of weapons.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- This was the best gift - he could give Owain.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- Glyndwr's battles were savage.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- The method of combat during the - Middle Ages caused terrible wounds.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- The knight's main weapon - was the sword...
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- ..but its sharp point - wasn't its only threat.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- Since swords were rarely cleaned, - the dirty, infected blades...
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- ..were also a deadly threat.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Some people still enjoy fighting - like knights from the Middle Ages.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- They grab every opportunity - to show their combat skills.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- I visited Hanover - in northern Germany...
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- ..to witness a unique event.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- The competition is sponsored - by Knights Gone By from Conwy.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- They manufacture - medieval armoury and weapons...
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- ..for history societies - and film companies.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03- A few of the competitions - were held in the leisure centre.
0:12:06 > 0:12:12- This is the first ever international - open sword fighting contest.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- The focus is on the fighting!
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- There are strict rules - but in the heat of battle...
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- ..a lot of showmanship can be seen.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- You may have noticed that no armour - is worn to protect these men.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- This building is a stone's throw - from the leisure centre.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- It's a schloss - a castle.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- It's home - to Baron von Hammerstein...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- ..a suitable backdrop - for sword fighters.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Alex Kiermayer, a Munich policeman, - is one of the judges.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- I've asked him - for a simple sword-fighting lesson.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- We'll start from the shoulder.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- Come forward.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- Yes.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- This is a long sword.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- The knight would grasp it - with two hands...
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- ..to try and strike - his opponent's helmet and armour.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- The idea of power with this weapon - in your hand is very strong...
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- ..but I think he knows more than me.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- I'll attack you - with the same strike you did to me.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- Use the same strike against - the sword and thrust to the face.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- Once again.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- OK? Are you OK?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Release the power, - it doesn't matter.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- I've got a mask on.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04- Yes.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Well done.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- Steel isn't the only material used.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Bamboo swords can cause injury too.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- This isn't child's play.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- They're going at it hammer and tongs, - as you can see.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- Armour can protect - several parts of your body...
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- ..but accidents do happen.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44- Ah!
0:14:44 > 0:14:45- Ah!- - Break.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50- This fighter has wounded his wrist - but first aid is on hand.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- The final - pits Holland against Israel.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- The tall fighter in white - is the Israeli.
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- The winner receives a huge sword - as a prize from Magnus...
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- ..the blacksmith from Conwy.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- The winner is Alex from Tel Aviv.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21- See you after the break.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24- .
0:15:25 > 0:15:25- 888
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- 888- - 888
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- One of the earliest manuscripts - describing sword fighting...
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- ..is the I.33 from Germany.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- These 13th-century monks - are skilled sword fighters.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47- They describe moves in - a scientific way for the first time.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- These masters analysed - the art of sword fighting.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- It was possible to improve - the basic skills...
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- ..speed, balance - and the use of the mind and body...
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- ..by practising the technique.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- This attitude had existed - in the East for centuries.
0:16:09 > 0:16:15- For over 1,000 years in Japan, - one sword ruled the battlefield.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- This was the katana, - the Samurai warriors' sword.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- The technology of the katana - lives on today in Japan.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- This is where the process starts.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- Men feed the furnace with pure iron - which looks like sand.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- Carbon from charcoal ashes - is already in the furnace.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- Both are mixed - to create this unique steel.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- The carbon is a key element.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- It can withstand heavy blows - in battle.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- After sweating without sleep - for three days...
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- ..it's time for the men to remove - the tamahagane from the furnace.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Faith plays an important part - in the sword blacksmith's ritual.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- He prays to Buddha - for the perfect sword.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- The Samurai belonged - to the highest class.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- According to their religion, honour - in life and death was all-important.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- Samurai spiritual development - was achieved...
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- ..by following - the ways of the sword.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- A piece of scripture - is placed on the metal.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- A thin layer of clay and dust - keeps air out during the procedure.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- The hammer - welds the pieces together...
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- ..and removes the impure elements.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- The katana is now a block of steel.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52- It's folded over. Dozens of folds - produces 5,000 layers.
0:17:54 > 0:18:00- The best and sharpest katana sword - was produced in the 15th century.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- To fight with a katana, - a man had to be quick.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- By attacking Korea and China...
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- ..the Samurai claimed - precious property for the warlords.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- The katana - brought wealth and treasures.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- This sword was second to none.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- The katana is a mixture - of two different steels...
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- ..hard and sharp steel - for the blade...
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- ..and soft steel in the middle - to give the sword flexibility.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- In the Middle Ages, a new sword was - tested on a criminal's dead body...
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- ..but not a murderer - or someone with a skin disease.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- No-one wanted to contaminate - a new sword.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- It was also used - for the ultimate punishment.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- One of the final steps - is the polish.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- The aim is to create a sharp edge - and illustrate the grain...
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- ..which is characteristic - of the katana.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- A Samurai and his sword - are inseparable.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- It was his most precious belonging.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- He would carry it all day - and even take it to bed.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- It represented power and status.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- It was a symbol - of the Samurai's authority.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- Only death would come between them.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Which sword is superior?
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- The katana - or the medieval wide-blade sword?
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- The katana is light and quick.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- The wide-blade sword - is just as sharp but heavier.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- The katana cuts thrice in the time - it take the other sword to cut once.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- A Samurai would prevail - in a contest.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- It takes three months - to make this handcrafted sword.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- Traditional skills are transferred - from generation to generation.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- Western Europe in the 15th century - witnessed the Renaissance.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- Many books were published.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- Some were written by experts - in order to teach fencing skills.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Before long, these ideas - were adopted by the theatre.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50- In Shakespeare's plays, there - are over 400 references to fencing.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- Shakespeare's audience - loved sword fights on stage.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- They were very familiar - with the art.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02- Some would join in...
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- ..until they prohibited swords - in the theatre.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- Here, in Stratford-upon-Avon, home - of the Royal Shakespeare Company...
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- ..many famous Welsh actors - have performed...
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- ..including Matthew Rhys.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- I had a good period of stage - combat in Stratford-upon-Avon...
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- ..when I was a member - of the company.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- I was Edmund in King Lear.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- I was also Macduff in Macbeth.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- Maybe the most prominent part - is Romeo from Romeo & Juliet.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- There is an element of risk - in stage combat.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- It can be very dangerous.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Personally, I think it has more - to do with the actors.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- That's the greatest danger.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- I don't want to blow - my own trumpet...
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- ..but I count myself lucky - to have been trained.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- I'm always happier fighting - other actors who have been trained.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- When I've filmed scenes with actors - who haven't been trained...
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- ..I've sustained injuries.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- I have a few scars - - I don't know if you can see this.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- These happened - when it all went wrong.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- In a production, such as Romeo & - Juliet which I played for a year...
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- ..taking part in a play for - 12 months with so much fighting...
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- ..someone's going to be tired, - ill or hung-over one day...
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- ..and something will happen.
0:22:56 > 0:23:02- Life on the street in Elizabethan - times was packed with dangers.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Gangs of men would threaten people - with swords and knives.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- In Shakespeare's day, - you had to play to the audience...
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- ..because they knew everything - about fighting with swords.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- The audiences of the day - loved violence.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- Bear-baiting, bullfighting, - cockfighting, dog fighting.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- If an actor wanted to survive - to perform another day...
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- ..he had to learn fencing carefully.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- Shakespeare's fencing teacher - was an Italian.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- Lessons were held - in London's Blackfriars Theatre.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- The sword was the primary - combat weapon at the time.
0:23:47 > 0:23:53- Before long, another weapon - came to replace the sword.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58- Gunpowder was discovered - by the Chinese in the 9th century.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- By the 16th century, - it was used in muskets.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- The gun would change - the face of fighting...
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- ..and change the world - of the sword forever.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33- .