Some of the world's most famous and gruesome battles were fought in the Middle Ages. In 1066, William the Conqueror led his Norman forces to victory over England's King Harold. The Battle of Bosworth Fields saw the House of Lancaster emerge triumphant during the War of the Roses. It would lead to the establishment of the House of Tudor. The weaponry employed during these and other battles ensured that the battle ground would be a receptacle for blood. Let's focus in on a few Medieval weapons whose sole function was to mete out death.
One of the most effective pole weapons against cavalry assaults was the pike. This weapon was long, sometimes up to twenty-five feet in length, and had a razor sharp spearhead attached at the end. Formations of pikemen would stand in tight groups, pikes pointing forward, and attempt to halt the onrushing cavalry charge.
The halberd was another pole weapon wielded by Medieval soldiers. Attached to the top of a wooden pole was a battle-axe blade. But this was no ordinary blade head. In addition to the head's blade section, the head's back end was hook-shaped for the purpose of grappling. The finishing touch was a spike that topped off the blade head.
Blunt weaponry saw their fair share of action on the battlefield. As a way to counteract the protection of armor, the flanged mace was used to either dent or penetrate mail or metal armor. Another armor-busting weapon used was the war hammer. Untrained peasants deployed in battle were issued clubs, sometimes known as cudgels, though these were largely ineffective against armor.
Archers, with their ranged weaponry, figured prominently in battles. This was no better illustrated than during the Battle of Crecy. English archers, equipped with longbows, caused mayhem among their French opponents. Even though the bow could loose an arrow over three hundred yards, accuracy was not its long suit. In light of this, longbowmen would fire in concert into a specific area, raining destruction to anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in the arrow storm.
One weapon has been the stuff of legend and myth. The sword represents the quintessence of warfare. It has one purpose, and that is to dispatch an enemy. The more popular swords used during this time were the double-edged broadsword, claymore, and the scimitar.
This has only scratched the surface of weapons brandished by medieval warriors. Don't forget siege equipment, knives, and daggers were all part of a fighter's arsenal.
medieval weapons
One of the most effective pole weapons against cavalry assaults was the pike. This weapon was long, sometimes up to twenty-five feet in length, and had a razor sharp spearhead attached at the end. Formations of pikemen would stand in tight groups, pikes pointing forward, and attempt to halt the onrushing cavalry charge.
The halberd was another pole weapon wielded by Medieval soldiers. Attached to the top of a wooden pole was a battle-axe blade. But this was no ordinary blade head. In addition to the head's blade section, the head's back end was hook-shaped for the purpose of grappling. The finishing touch was a spike that topped off the blade head.
Blunt weaponry saw their fair share of action on the battlefield. As a way to counteract the protection of armor, the flanged mace was used to either dent or penetrate mail or metal armor. Another armor-busting weapon used was the war hammer. Untrained peasants deployed in battle were issued clubs, sometimes known as cudgels, though these were largely ineffective against armor.
Archers, with their ranged weaponry, figured prominently in battles. This was no better illustrated than during the Battle of Crecy. English archers, equipped with longbows, caused mayhem among their French opponents. Even though the bow could loose an arrow over three hundred yards, accuracy was not its long suit. In light of this, longbowmen would fire in concert into a specific area, raining destruction to anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in the arrow storm.
One weapon has been the stuff of legend and myth. The sword represents the quintessence of warfare. It has one purpose, and that is to dispatch an enemy. The more popular swords used during this time were the double-edged broadsword, claymore, and the scimitar.
This has only scratched the surface of weapons brandished by medieval warriors. Don't forget siege equipment, knives, and daggers were all part of a fighter's arsenal.
medieval weapons
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