6 Around the third century, an ancient Roman weapon called the “plumbata” appeared. Carried inside a shield or a hollow bucket, they are basically like lawn darts. A lead-weight is fitted below the sharp iron point, with dart-like aesthetics carrying it through the air.

The Romans built a speed-efficient weapon that is not cumbersome to carry and was in addition to basic weaponry. The plumbata dart weapon weighed only 60-120 grams, so soldiers would store them in their shield or in a hollow basket attached to their bodies. It was effective in short distances and had great damage potential when used correctly.

Incoming soldiers had to deal with these at frenzied paces, as one dart can be thrown every two or three seconds. Even the timing was bad for the enemy, as the plumbatas were used moments before both parties clashed, giving the Romans an effective advantage. (1, 2, 3)

7 The Archimedes claw was a claw at the end of the crane which would simply hook/attach itself to enemy boats and overturn them in the water. This weapon is believed to have been used successfully against the Romans when their navy turned up uninvited at the Greek borders.

The Archimedes claw was a gigantic, simple, and super-effective weapon designed by the famous Greek mathematician, physicist, and inventor Archimedes.

The Greek army used it to defend ports during the Punic Wars. It was successfully deployed against the Romans in the dark of the night when the Romans had reached Greek borders and were set to attack.

The claw at the end of a crane grabbed enemy ships and capsized them, causing massive confusion among the Roman soldiers. This, coupled with catapults also designed by Archimedes, inflicted heavy losses in the Roman ranks. (1, 2, 3)

8 When it fell on the enemy’s head, it felt like no less than a meteor. It has many names; the Chinese called it a “meteor.” Others named it “meteor hammer.” It was also known as “dai chui,” “flying hammer,” and “dragon’s fist.” It was a long chain, at the end of which a weight was attached. The chain was swung, and heads bounced off the floor. Some meteor hammers had two weights attached at their end.

The Chinese were a fearsome group back in the day. One would sooner take them for allies than as foes. This was because of their war mindset and tactical genius showcased in many forms. One of the smaller showcases of this was the meteor hammer.

Powerful shoulders swung the chains with precision and speed, battering shields and heads alike. Others carried a double-headed meteor hammer for double output.

Both types had a reach of up to five meters. Meteor hammers were used only by the most skillful warriors who could handle all the cons that came with the advantages. (1, 2)

9 The mambele was a weapon consisting of four blades jutting out from the top and sides. Also known as the “hunga-munga,” the mambele’s number of blades and designs varied, as well as its usage. It was used both as a dagger and for throwing at enemies. These cruel weapons had curved blades to stab the victim, keep hold, and mess up their interiors when pulled out.

The mambele is also known by a wide range of local names: “hunga-munga,” “danisco,” “goleyo,” and “njiga.” A thrown weapon native to central Africa, it was something between a knife and a hatchet.

They were typically used as throwing weapons, or when enemies were too close to throw at, they were used as daggers. They were about 22 inches in length and were thrown in a rotatory motion, just like you see knives being thrown in movies.

This meant that one blade of the weapon would surely catch you from any angle – at least the chances were high. Mambeles made from rarer and softer materials served as status symbols for their owners too. (source)

10 The man-catcher is a non-lethal weapon consisting of a pole, mounted with two semi-circular pronged heads, or doors, at the end of a long wooden pole. These doors would open, trap a human in between, and close again. They were used in Europe as late as the 18th century.

Man-catchers were used in Europe effectively as late as the 18th century. The reasons for the usage of man-catchers were pretty interesting. They did not kill men, thus allowing capture.

Noblemen were ensnared in the man-catcher and ransomed for money. Men were dragged off from their horses. Prisoners were contained. The mechanism was simple: open the pronged heads, jam the victim, and leave them helpless to move on their own.

The inside was sharp, and the only way victims could get out was to bend the bars. Original man-catchers are now only found in museums, with some variations still in use across the world.  (1, 2, 3)