  Data on hadronic particle production in symmetric nuclear collisions from
SIS/BEVALAC to SPS energies are reviewed. The main emphasis is put on the
production of pions, kaons, and antibaryons. Global features will be discussed
in terms of rapidity and transverse momentum distributions and the total energy
stored in produced particles. Pion and kaon production probabilities are
studied as function of beam energy and their distribution in polar and
azimuthal angle. Special emphasis is put on medium effects expected for kaons
in dense nuclear matter at low energies. An enhanced strange particle yield is
found at all energies, its explanation at SPS energies is still controversial.
Experimental data on antibaryon and multistrange hyperon production is less
complete and does not allow for similar systematic studies.
