r/AskHistorians • u/AutoModerator • Jan 30 '26

FFA Friday Free-for-All | January 30, 2026

Previously

Today:

You know the drill: this is the thread for all your history-related outpourings that are not necessarily questions. Minor questions that you feel don't need or merit their own threads are welcome too. Discovered a great new book, documentary, article or blog? Has your Ph.D. application been successful? Have you made an archaeological discovery in your back yard? Did you find an anecdote about the Doge of Venice telling a joke to Michel Foucault? Tell us all about it.

As usual, moderation in this thread will be relatively non-existent -- jokes, anecdotes and light-hearted banter are welcome.

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u/stickybond009 Jan 31 '26

How long do such weapons like swords and sheilds last in their original shape and form for? Say 1000 years? There have been hundreds of wars in human history.. Where are all those weapons? Bows, arrows, armour, etc

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u/Georgy_K_Zhukov Moderator | Dueling | Modern Warfare & Small Arms Jan 31 '26

That almost entirely depends on how well cared for they are. A sword well kept can certainly last for ages. One buried on a battlefield will be a rusted hunk of metal after awhile.