The plowshare is an essential component of the plow, a tool used in agriculture for breaking up and turning over the soil. It is the cutting or leading edge of the moldboard, which closely follows the coulter, a ground-breaking spike, when plowing. The plowshare is responsible for entering the cleft in the earth and turning the soil over. In well-tilled terrain, the plowshare may be used without a preceding coulter.
Key Facts
- The plowshare is a component of a plow (or plough) used in agriculture.
- It is the cutting or leading edge of a moldboard that closely follows the coulter when plowing.
- The plowshare is responsible for entering the cleft in the earth and turning the soil over.
- In well-tilled terrain, the plowshare may be used without a preceding coulter.
- The plowshare is often a hardened blade dressed into an integral moldboard, making a unified combination of plowshare and moldboard.
- The plowshare was invented by Robert Ransome of Ipswich, England, who patented a cast-iron plowshare in the mid-1780s.
- Triangular-shaped stone plowshares have been found at archaeological sites in China dating back to 3500 BC, indicating the use of plowshares in ancient cultures.
- Plowshares are often used in heraldry.
- The phrase “to turn swords into plowshares” from the biblical Book of Isaiah is still in common use today, symbolizing the peaceful use of wartime capabilities.
- The plowshare played a role in the Battle of Marathon, where a plowshare-wielding ally helped the ancient Athenians defeat the Persians.
History of the Plowshare
The history of the plowshare can be traced back to ancient times. Triangular-shaped stone plowshares have been found at archaeological sites in China dating back to 3500 BC. These findings suggest that plowshares were used in ancient cultures for intensive cultivation in fixed fields.
In the mid-1780s, Robert Ransome of Ipswich, England, patented a cast-iron plowshare, marking a significant advancement in plowshare technology. This invention improved the efficiency and durability of plows, leading to increased agricultural productivity.
The Plowshare in Heraldry
Plowshares are often used in heraldry, the study of coats of arms. They symbolize agriculture, hard work, and productivity. Plowshares can be found in the coats of arms of various cities, towns, and families worldwide.
The Plowshare in Ancient Cultures
The plowshare holds cultural and symbolic significance in various ancient cultures. The biblical Book of Isaiah contains the phrase “to turn swords into plowshares,” which represents the transformation of wartime capabilities into peaceful pursuits.
In Greek mythology, the plowshare played a role in the Battle of Marathon. A plowshare-wielding ally appeared on the side of the ancient Athenians, helping them defeat the Persians. After the victory, an oracle instructed the Athenians to worship the hero under the name Echetlaeus, meaning “the hero with the plowshare.”
Conclusion
The plowshare is a crucial invention that revolutionized agriculture and played a significant role in shaping human history. Its use in heraldry and ancient cultures further highlights its cultural and symbolic importance.
References
- Drache, Hiram M. “The Impact of John Deere’s Plow.” Illinois History Teacher 8(1):2-13, 2001.
- Harris, David R. The Origins and Spread of Agriculture and Pastoralism in Eurasia. Routledge, 1996.
- “Plowshare.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Oct. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plowshare.
- Weedman, William. “Hand-forged Iron Plowshare.” ISAS Field Notes, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, 11 Apr. 2019, blogs.illinois.edu/view/7923/1939010121.
- You, Yuzhu. “The Neolithic of South China.” Antiquity 73.280 (1999): 1-8. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/2644438. Accessed 19 Oct. 2022.
FAQs
What is a plowshare?
Answer: A plowshare is a component of a plow, used in agriculture to break up and turn over the soil. It is the cutting or leading edge of the moldboard, which closely follows the coulter when plowing.
Who invented the plowshare?
Answer: Robert Ransome of Ipswich, England, patented a cast-iron plowshare in the mid-1780s, marking a significant advancement in plowshare technology.
What was the plowshare used for in ancient cultures?
Answer: In ancient cultures, plowshares were used for intensive cultivation in fixed fields. They were also used symbolically, representing agriculture, hard work, and productivity.
What is the significance of the plowshare in heraldry?
Answer: Plowshares are often used in heraldry to symbolize agriculture, hard work, and productivity. They can be found in the coats of arms of various cities, towns, and families worldwide.
What is the origin of the phrase “to turn swords into plowshares”?
Answer: The phrase “to turn swords into plowshares” comes from the biblical Book of Isaiah. It represents the transformation of wartime capabilities into peaceful pursuits.
What role did the plowshare play in the Battle of Marathon?
Answer: In the Battle of Marathon, a plowshare-wielding ally appeared on the side of the ancient Athenians, helping them defeat the Persians. After the victory, an oracle instructed the Athenians to worship the hero under the name Echetlaeus, meaning “the hero with the plowshare.”
How did the plowshare revolutionize agriculture?
Answer: The plowshare revolutionized agriculture by making it more efficient and productive. The cast-iron plowshare invented by Robert Ransome was particularly significant, as it was more durable and effective than previous plowshares.
What are some other uses of the plowshare?
Answer: In addition to its use in agriculture, the plowshare has also been used as a weapon. In some ancient cultures, plowshares were attached to chariots and used in warfare.