War and combat have been a part of human history since time immemorial, whether for land disputes between kingdoms, honor, or even for mere entertainment among the wealthy. These conflicts have cultivated the rise of some of the most courageous warrior cultures. In this article, we will look at Top 10 Deadliest Warriors in history.
Spartans
The Spartans were the deadliest warriors of Ancient Greece. Originating in the prominent city of Sparta in the region of Laconia, the entire culture of their society was shaped around warfare.
Spartan shoulders were some of the most feared throughout the ancient world. For most of the male Spartan children, a career as a soldier was their only option. They began training at the young age of five and were proficient in using Spartan weapons, such as Dory(Spear), sword, and Javelin.
The warriors from the city-state of Sparta considered it a great dishonor to leave behind their weapons or to run away from the battle. The weapons they used were often the same weapons used by their ancestors and leaving them behind would have been considered a great dishonour.
Vikings
The Vikings were widely recognized throughout Europe for their sheer might, and rightfully so. They were relentless and formidable on the battlefield, fearless and undeterred by any foe.
Crossing paths with a single Viking, let alone a band of them, could easily prove perilous, given their exceptional combat prowess, towering stature, and great strength that would rival any ancient warrior class.
The Vikings were highly skilled in shipbuilding, sailing, and using their weapons to defeat their foes. Many famous Viking warriors went on to raid and settle in several parts of Europe, including the kingdoms in England, Scotland, Ireland, and the French city of Paris, cementing their names in the books of history.
Gladiators
The Roman gladiators risked their lives and reputations every time they stepped onto the sand of the Amphitheaters. Many were slaves or imprisoned criminals who were forced to battle one another. However, there were also free and sometimes even noble individuals who disguised their identities with helmets and fought in the Arena.
The Gladiators were known to be some of the deadliest warriors in history. They fought other gladiators, prisoners of war, and even wild beasts for the entertainment of the Roman populace. Success in the arena could bring them fame, notoriety, or even their freedom.
Different types of gladiators trained with different kinds of weapons and faced opponents depending upon their warrior classes.
Samurai
The samurai were a dominant warrior culture and soldiers in feudal Japan. Interestingly, the origin of these famed warriors can be traced back to the 7th and 8th centuries. At that time around 25% of all able-bodied males were required to be drafted into the Japanese military. A ranking system with twelve levels was created, with any warrior below rank six being called a ‘samurai’.
With time, their numbers grew and they became employed in wars over the battle for land between ruling clans. As the demand for their skills continued to rise, the samurai developed not only their fighting skills but also their ethical codes. Eventually, this noble class of warriors would come to rule over Japan.
They had certain honors bestowed upon them which were not given to the rest of the population. The Samurai were the only ones allowed to carry the Katana, the most iconic of all Samurai Weapons.
Ninja
The ninja, undoubtedly, is among the most popular Japanese warriors to have ever existed. Lords of Feudal Japan highly valued the unique skills of these mysterious and elusive warriors.
To become proficient in using ninjitsu weaponry, the ancient art of these warriors, one needed to master the 18 skills it encompassed. The ninja underwent secretive training that was passed on from one clan to another. This type of training was conducted in specially designated places dubbed “Ryos.”
The desire for ninja abilities grew, leading to an increased demand for their services. Consequently, the Ryos became more prominent and popular. With this popularity came more work, and the ninja became the go-to option for individuals looking to eliminate their enemies stealthily.
Aztec Warriors
The Aztec warriors from central Mexico were renowned for their terrifyingly fierce nature. Their rigorous training and inherent aggression toward battle distinguished them as formidable enemies against any individual, tribe, or military force. Among the Aztecs, being a great warrior was considered the most esteemed profession, despite it often being relatively brief.
Demonstrating your valor and earning respect through combat was one of the easiest methods of attaining elevated status, of which only the most exceptional warriors could boast in Aztec culture.
Since iron was unavailable, they had to rely on metals that were commonly found, which were usually not applicable for blade production, leading to the use of Obsidian, a nearby volcanic rock, to create sharp edges instead.
In addition, they utilized a variety of other Aztec weapons during battles, such as slings, spears, bows and arrows, clubs, and maces, which were all frequently used.
Mongol Archers
The Mongol Archers were the deadliest warriors in the Army of Genghis Khan. They were capable of using arrows to rain death on their enemies from a standstill as well as from galloping horses.
Hunting animals and wildlife with the bow and arrow was a common practice among the Mongols, and their great leader Genghis Khan even considered it valuable training for warfare. The goal was to teach young Mongols how to draw their bow faster, react quicker, and aim more accurately, thus enhancing their overall combat prowess.
Celtic Warrior
The Celtic warriors were some of the most fearsome and distinctive warrior classes in history. They were known to have long hair, huge heights, tattoed bodies, and fondness for sometimes going into battle naked. They were fearsome on foot, on a horse, and chariots.
The ranks of the Celtic soldiers were not just limited to men as several notable women were included in battle and even rose to become leaders, with the most popular being Queen Boudicca.
Rajput Warrior
The Rajputs were the fearsome warriors originating from the state of Rajasthan in the Indian subcontinent. Not just anyone could become a Rajput by choice, only those born into Rajput families were considered Rajputs.
It is believed that they became such skilled warriors after the fall of Sindh as they were usually at the forefront of invasions due to Rajasthan being a border state. However, the Rajputs were not just brute warriors. They had a codified moral code that they followed even in battle.
Medieval Knight
Remembered in the tales of chivalry, valor, and battle in the poems and stories from medieval Europe. The Knights were the elite cavalry, usually made up of the lower nobility and sons of lords who were too far down in the line to inherit the titles.
They were heavily armored and could smash through enemy lines with ease. A shock charge from a group of knights was capable of turning the tide of battle.