The Samurai were elite Soldiers who mastered a large array of weapons including bows, spears and even guns!

The Samurai's most famous weapon is the katana - a sword with legendary cutting power (Think ‘Kill Bill'!).

Samurai lead their lives according to the highly ethical code of Bushido ("the way of the warrior"). Like Spartans, Samurai fight to the death. The Japanese believed that in battle, a single Samurai was the equal of twenty regular soldiers!

Source: The Samurai: Warriors of Medieval Japan, 940-1600 Anthony J. Bryant; Osprey, 1989

Region: Japan
Weapons: Katana, Naginata, Yumi, Kanabo
Reign: Medieval Japan, 940-1600