Short swords, broad swords, and long swords oh my!

[Sargon of Akkad]

I am a bit confused as to the exact origin in time of these different swords aswell as exactly what they were used for.

What I know is that the long-sword was used by cavalry during the Iron age. It was also used against cavalry.

All I know of the short sword was that it used by the Romans to defeat the Greek Phalanx formation.

As for the broad sword, I am in complete and utter darkness as to it's function, and when it first apeared.

Anyhow, If anyone can give me info, I would be much obliged.

 

[Thuloid]

The terms short, broad, and long, as applied to swords, really just refer to a general class of weapons, and don't have specific historical references. The roman gladius, for example, is a kind of short sword, but there have been many other smallish swords to which the label short sword could apply.

A broad sword is simply any sword with a moderately broad, double edged blade which is intended for slashing rather than stabbing. To be more specific than that, you'd need a time period and place.