Swords are what drove culture in the medieval ages in Europe and during Japan's samurai days. It was an interesting development. During Roman times, the Romans used a strong shield and a very short sword, more often referred to as a gladius. Their common foes, the Gauls and Germans, used large two-handed swords. Despite being victorious over their foes, proving that a shield, short sword, and discipline are superior, why did the world start shifting over to heavier swords and heavier armor?