Medieval Weaponry
Medieval warriors used many kinds of weapons. For example, a knights favorite weapon was his sword.
There were many kinds of medieval swords, such as the great sword. Greats words were two handed swords. They were larger versions ofthe ordinary sword. They were swung with both hands to deliver a powerful blow. Large swords began to become popular in the 13th century. A knight would hang a sword in his saddle in addition to his regular sword. The medieval shining sword was also a sword used during the 1460’s. This sword has a copper gilt crossguard. This was probably made for a rich knight.
Another weapon a knight or a Viking would use was a medieval battle ax. This ax was developed in northern Europe. It was especially popular with the Vikings. It was used used by a well-trained infantry. It could prove lethal to horseman especially when mounted on a yard long haft (handle) and swung with both hands . A more widely used ax was the medieval pole ax. This weapon was very popular in battle and foot combat. It was used to strike the opponents head (the word “pole” meant head) and the solid hammer-head at the back could knock out a man in armor. There was another kind of ax called the medieval short ax. Knights sometimes used two-handed axes, but the smaller, single-handed variety was easier to use on horseback.
One of the smallest weapons a warrior used was a medieval dagger. Knights did not use daggers very much until the 14th century. Daggers were used as a back up sword; when the knights first sword was knocked out of his hand.
Knights used a weapon called a medieval lance. Lances were long and came in many sizes. They were made of wood and were painted. Maces were also another wooden weapon used by knights. They were shaped like clubs with spikes stuck into them.
Archers used medieval bow and arrows. One kind of bow and arrow is the medieval long bow. This type of bow was usually made of stave or yew wood about the height of the archer himself. It was usually fitted with horn nocks at the top to take the hemp string. War bows probably needed a pull of at least 80lb. , and many have been far more powerful. Medieval Crossbows were another kind of bow. They were introduced in the 11th century, they were made of wood or horn. After shooting, the string was drawn back by the archer placing his foot inthe stirrup. He then attached the string to a hook in his belt and straightened his back until the string slipped over the retaining catch on the crossbar of the weapon. The bow was usually shot by means of some kind of trigger.
The middle ages were a time of relative chaos for Europe. With the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire at the end of the 5th century, the countries of Europe were thrown into disarray. After a great deal of border–shifting and consolidating, Europe was stable enough to work together and begin the first crusade in the late 11th century. 500 years and three crusades later began the Renaissance, which is considered by most as the end of this chaotic era.
The weapons, armor and tactics of medieval combat evolved simultaneously.
Arms and armor evolved constantly to negate each other; for instance, the … Continue Reading
