AN OVERVIEW OF CARDBOARD TUBES IN HISTORY
Cardboard tubes are generally cylindrical pieces of thick fiber based materials which have many applications but were originally used as a whacking implement. The history of the cardboard dates back to the lesser known cardboard age that directly proceeded the Iron Age, roughly 14th century BC. During this time cardboard smiths found that forming a tube in a wrapping pattern created an effective smacking weapon. During the time of classical antiquity cardboard tubes were common in Parthian and Sassanid Empires in Iran and were a common gladiatorial weapon among the Romans.
During the Middle ages the Viking cardboard battle axe gained popularity as a fierce weapon. By this time the tube had faded into obscurity until the 4th century when it saw a strong resurgence. During this time, the return of the cardboard tube gave rise to the lesser known Cardboard Tube Knights of the Round Table, which mysteriously disappeared during a Saxon invasion in late 5th century AD. Soon after this time historical records show of widespread use of the tube across Asia with advanced martial systems recorded in Feudal Japan and a number Chinese military involvements.
By the 17th century the lighter dueling tube had found its place among civilian populations in Europe and became an "essential" fashion accessory. During this time the tube 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 it’s use as a common bludgeoning tool. Over the past century, the art of the cardboard tube has been held onto by the youthful innocence of children, who in their great wisdom have preserved its greater intricacies.
