Ep 2. Death Weapons of the East

In the second episode of season 4 of Ancient Discoveries, titled "Death Weapons of the East," viewers are taken on a journey exploring the lethal weapons used in ancient East Asia. The episode delves into the art of war from this region and examines the evolution of weapons from primitive times to the cutting-edge technology of the time.

The episode opens with a peek into the mythology surrounding ancient weaponry and its place in Eastern culture. The show then moves on to the first segment examining the changes that occurred in weaponry in the Eastern Zhou period in China. Weapons such as jian, ge, and guan dao were the most prevalent weapons of this period, and their characteristics and uses are explored in-depth. The show notes that the Eastern Zhou period marked an era of development in Chinese metallurgy, leading to weapons made from bronze, copper, and iron that were stronger and more efficient.

The next section examines the introduction of crossbows, which have been depicted in ancient art and literature. It discusses the advantages of using a crossbow over a bow and arrow and sophisticated design features developed for crossbows, such as trigger mechanisms. The episode also sheds light on the types of crossbows used in ancient China, such as the repeating crossbow, titled the "Zhuge crossbow," which allowed for successive firings, and the "scorpio" that was designed to attack multiple targets in one go.

The program then focuses on two weapons that often have a fascinating place in Chinese history – the throwing knife and the spikes of the Flying Tiger claw. The throwing knife was a popular weapon that soldiers used in ancient China, and it was known for its versatility and ease of use. The Flying Tiger claw, made from a combination of scrap metal and bamboo, was an unusual weapon that required movement and practice to use effectively. The segment evaluates the validity of using such animals-imitating weapons in actual battles.

The next segment deals with the primary weapon of samurai warriors: the katana. It analyses the katana's design, blade construction and proves why the katana was a dominant weapon during the warring periods in Japanese history. The segment further explores how swordsmiths used tamahagane steel for the sword's creations, from manufacturing methods to symbolism, and how much of a master crafter one had to be to make one.

Finally, the show culminates in a piece that discusses the evolution of gunpowder in ancient China and its eventual use in weaponry. The episode examines weapons like Chinese firearms, early versions of grenades, and primitive bombs used in battle. Viewers are taken on a visual journey through these ancient weapons, both with live experts and digitally remastered reconstructions of the weapons in use.

All in all, Ancient Discoveries Season 4 remains true to its roots in the second episode: providing a fascinating look at the weapons and machines of the past. Death Weapons of the East is a riveting addition to the series that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats as they learn about the advanced and horrifying machines used in battles in East Asia.