Final answer:
The size, shape, and length of a weapon can be identified through impact marks, historical records, and archaeological findings, tracing the evolution from melee to projectile weapons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The size, shape, and length of a weapon can sometimes be determined from the impact marks left on a target, from historical documentation, and through archaeological discoveries. Weapons like swords, which consisted of a pointed blade that might be straight or curved with a handle or 'hilt', and a cross-guard, have evolved over time. As history progressed, weapons became more sophisticated, with projectile weapons like bows and arrows, and later guns and cannons playing a significant role in warfare.
Early firearms like the arquebus were heavy and required support to fire, and the development of these firearms was slower compared to that of large artillery like cannons. Despite the introduction of firearms, many armies continued to rely on bows and arrows due to the rapid-fire capability archers had compared to the slow reloading time of early guns. The development of armor also evolved in tandem with weapons, offering protection against them.
Weapons can also be studied through their representations in art and artifacts such as the P-shaped scabbard mount found in swords dating around c. 600, illustrating the cross-cultural influences in weapon design.