Ancient siege weapons were, especially considering the technological level at those times, amazing. Notable about these is also that armies carried only the minimum of material for these devices on journeys, and gathered major parts like wood from the areas of conflict, making it possible to move fast but employ devastating power withing a day or 2 as well.
I think the German's take the cake.
They found a way to use gas to their advantage and devastate all who opposed them. They perfected the art of killing through the work of concentration camps.
Plus they manufactured several prototypes of ghastly tanks, and one can't forget the U-boat. Also they designed the first cruise missile known as the V-1 flying bomb.
Originally posted by Ambience
I think the German's take the cake.
They found a way to use gas to their advantage and devastate all who opposed them. They perfected the art of killing through the work of concentration camps.Plus they manufactured several prototypes of ghastly tanks, and one can't forget the U-boat. Also they designed the first cruise missile known as the V-1 flying bomb.
We want to know the greatest weapon not the greatest nation... And Germany isn't a weapon.... I think
As far as technology of weapons goes, the saracens (Mediaeval Arabs) knew what they were on about. They had some method or other that made their swords notably tougher than Christian equivalents. This process involved, at some stage of the production process, thrusting the unfinished sword through the bodies of living slaves. The result of this was the release of certain chemical processes which toughened the metal before it was finally tempered. Or something.
The Chinese were also obviously very advanced with their technology, but that's kind of been covered.
Originally posted by Lord Coal
As far as technology of weapons goes, the saracens (Mediaeval Arabs) knew what they were on about. They had some method or other that made their swords notably tougher than Christian equivalents. This process involved, at some stage of the production process, thrusting the unfinished sword through the bodies of living slaves. The result of this was the release of certain chemical processes which toughened the metal before it was finally tempered. Or something.The Chinese were also obviously very advanced with their technology, but that's kind of been covered.
You have any prove for that first statement? I never heard it before and it sounds quite absurd for a relatively advanced civilization even back then.
Originally posted by Nellinator
It does seem kinda weird. What I do know about the Saracens is that they would have had control of Damascus which was world famous for its high quality steel in those days. That and the scimitars cut through air resistance better than the cross shaped swords of the Europeans.
The quality of their swords is not something I would doubt, but them killing slaves to test their swords seems insane. Especially if you would consider how many slaves they would need for something like that, one slave for each created sword would equal thousands if not hundreds of thousands of slaves...
So many people and so much money just killed/destroyed for testing a sword? It's illogical.
Don't mind me, I'm just watching the countless morons that keep forgetting "up to the 19th century" means anything WWI onward is not an acceptable answer.
I would have to side with Greek Fire. Especially since not only was it used by ships, but there was also what pretty much amounted to the first flamethrower in use by the Byzantines. Hand operated, and it would shoot greek fire out at the poor infantry in front of you.
Plus, even if you missed, a battlefield engulfed in smoke and fire was great for shock value.