AN OVERVIEW OF CARDBOARD TUBES IN HISTORY
Cardboard tubes are cylindrical pieces of thick fiber-based materials which, while having many modern applications, were originally used as a whacking implement. The history of the cardboard tube dates back to the lesser-known cardboard age that directly preceded the Iron Age, in roughly the 14th century BC. During this time, cardboardsmiths found that wrapping cardboard in the form of a tube resulted in the creation of a highly effective swatting weapon. Becoming common in the era of classical antiquity, cardboard tubes were the weapon of choice for infantry in the Parthian and Sassanid Empires in Iran and were a common gladiatorial weapon among the Romans.
By the Middle Ages the tube had faded into obscurity, replaced by the Viking cardboard battle axe, which had gained popularity as a fierce weapon. Cardboard tubes saw a strong resurgence in the 4th century due to the weapon's superior effectiveness against the laminated linen armor favored at the time. The return of the cardboard tube gave rise in the 5th century to the lesser-known Cardboard Tube Knights of the Round Table, who mysteriously disappeared during a Saxon invasion in the early 6th century AD. Soon after this time historical records show widespread use of the tube across Asia with advanced martial systems recorded in Feudal Japan and in a number Chinese military engagements.
By the 17th century a lighter dueling tube had found its place among civilian populations in Europe and had become an "essential" fashion accessory. During this time, tube dueling was often used as a way to settle matters of honor among the wealthy elite. With the rise of industrialized society during the modern age, advances in cardboard technology gave rise to lighter and stronger tubes, but also saw a decline in their use as a bludgeoning tool. Over the past century, the martial art of the cardboard tube has been maintained by children, who in the great wisdom of their youthful innocence have preserved its greater intricacies.
REAL QOUTES ABOUT THE CTFL!
Sun Tsao: "Cardboard tubes proved their worth as a light infantry weapon during a number of long and brutal offensives."
Joan of Arc: "Cardboard tubes are blessed by our lord and savior."
Musashi: "When half an oar is not readily available, a cardboard tube is your next best bet."
