two-handed swords in Warring States China
Two-handed swords were common in southern China by 300 BCE, but in Europe they don't become common until after 1200 CE.
Dr. Ben Judkins argues that this was possible not because of developments in metallurgy, but because of the mighty Asian rhinoceros and armour made from its hide https://chinesemartialstudies.com/2020/10/27/roaring-dragons-and-vanishing-rhinos-the-longsword-sword-in-ancient-china/ @eleanorkonik #sword #archaeology #china