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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Planesdragon" data-source="post: 1438037" data-attributes="member: 11133">The invention of the Flintlock (circa 1600) made the firearm "better" than the archaic weapons it has come to replaced.  Before then firearms certainly existed and were even used, but they weren't cheap enough to displace the lance, pike, or longbow, which piror to the flintlock were the dominant weapons.  (The crossbow, while powerful, was always too slow-loading to effectively beat the longbow, despite its greater power and simpler operation.)  While we're doting on historical notes, it's worthwhile to remember that not since the pre-Roman conflicts, the sword hasn't been the primary weapon.  of any European soldier.  A polearm, bow, or lance has always come first... although the sword is an excellent secondary weapon.</blockquote>