THE EVOLUTION OF MEDIEVAL WEAPONS
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- This sword design went through the High Middle Ages without much change
- With the advent of plate mail the slashing methods of the earlier medieval swords were ineffective
- The sword had to become a thrusting weapon, using its point over its edges.
- The sword was shortened and made stiffer often with reinforced sharp points.
The Medieval Sword
The classic medieval sword was the weapon of choice for those who could afford it
- Swords were usually passed down through generations and famous swords were often named
- Mastering the sword took years of practice
- The sword was a weapon of nobility
- They typical medieval sword in the Early Middle Ages had straight parallel edges and a blunt tip
- Lengths varied but the average sword was about 2 and a half feet long
- Different pommels, hilts, and guards can be found throughout europe
- Around the 8th century the a new process for forging swords was used that resulted in a stronger sword.
- In the 9th century swords began to be designed with a tapered end
- Around this time as well, swords blades began to be made out of strong flexible steel.
Medieval Battle Axe
Halberd
- The halberd is technically a pole-arm although it developed from the axe.
- It is essentially an axe head on the end of a long pole, typically six feet.
- It served the same defensive purposes as a pike bu was better equipped to deal with plat mail
- The Battle Axe was popularized by the Vikings but soon became a staple on the medieval battlefield
- It retained, however, it's brutal connotation as it was banned from the tournaments of the High Middle Ages
- This classic Viking weapon underwent major evolutions as it adapted to the changing battle scene of medieval Europe.
The Medieval Spear
The Battle Axe!
- This battle axe is the stereotypical two handed axe wielded by the 11th century vikings
- Over time the blade of the bearded axe developed into a cutting edge nearly a foot long
The spear was the most widely used medieval weapon because of it's cheap cost and effective use with little training
The Francisca
The Bearded Axe
- The type of axe known as the bearded axe became popular in the 8th and 9th centuries.
- It's lower edge was greatly extended down resembling a beard
- This axe was influenced by the blade shape of the Frankish throwing axe
It had 3 main uses which were all utilized by the medieval soldiers.
- The axe was actually first employed by the Franks as a throwing axe
- The Francisca was no more than 16 inches long and weighed about 10 pounds
- By the 8th century this weapon had died out in favor of the bow
Where does our
information come from?
1. A thrown projectile (Javelin)
The Javelin
- Typically shorter than the average spear
- Warriors would carry multiple javelins
- Could also be used for melee combat
- French Angon
2. A cavalry weapon (lance)
The Lance
"The typical cavalry lance was now made of strong, hard wood, about four meters in length; its leaf-shaped metal head had two cutting edges and a sharp point. It was also generally outfitted with a wing attachment behind the lancehead."
1. Grave Burial Sites
2. Graphical Depictions
3. Written Descriptions
3. A stabbing weapon (spear)
The long-spear or pike
- The long-spear could reach lengths of up to 18 feet
- It evolved in response to the cavalry charge around the 14th century
- Purpose was to outrange the lance
- Largely a defensive weapon only good for the initial charge
Other Types of Medieval Weapons
By observing the changes in the spear, the sword, and the axe we can get a good picture of the evolution of medieval weapons. That’s not to say that there were no other developments in weaponry.
Polearms
Bludgeon weapons
- Besides the pike and halberd there were many other polearms developed in the High Middle Ages to be effective counters to cavalry.
- The poleaxe consisted of an axe on one side, a spear on the top, and a hammer on the back. This weapon was adopted by knights as a noble weapon for use off their horse
- Bludgeon weapons were effective at maiming opponents through armor.
- The most primitive kind was the club which was used by common peasants.
- A very common bludgeon weapon was the mace which was popular among infantry and knights alike.
- Other variants of the mace included the morning star, the war hammer, and the flail
The use of the flail in medieval Europe