From the Roman gladius to the fearsome crossbow and the iconic AK-47, various weapons have played a huge role in shaping the history of humanity, becoming central to the creation and crushing of nations, the shaping countries and moulding the modern world. A History of the World in 100 Weapons tell the definitive stories of the weapons whose effects have been most revolutionary, changing the way war is waged and the very world we live in. Compiled with the assistance of a number of leading military historians this collection of fascinating facts about the weapons, is sumptuously illustrated with colour photographs and contemporary images and reveals information about who wielded the weapon and where is was used, clearly explaining the blow-by-blow advance of military weapon technology and expertise across the ages.