How did the role of the Samurai change over time?

In the beginning the samurai mainly used bows and arrows, swords and spears. The samurai lived a lived life to according to an ethical code called “Bushido” meaning The Way of the Warrior. Samurai lived very honourable lives, they were loyal to their superiors, they would commit suicide if defeated in battle or humiliated. During the Edo period, the samurai managed to become the highest ranking social caste.

The role of the samurai changed mostly during the Edo period when the Portuguese first arrived. When the Portuguese first arrived they introduced the samurai to an early gun called arquebus.

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