From its origins in the 7th century, armor and weaponry were central to Islamic culture not only as a means of conquest, but as symbols of wealth and power. More than 120 exceptional examples from The Metropolitan Museum of Art are presented in exquisite detail. They span ten centuries and represent nearly every Islamic culture. Among these masterpieces are gem-studded weapons from royal Ottoman and Indian courts and the oldest documented Islamic sword. Each piece is handsomely photographed and thoroughly described.