When you picture medieval weapons, do you picture knights fighting with a sword and lance? These were indeed popular weapons to use in medieval times, but swords and lances aren’t the only weapons that medieval warriors used to defeat their foes.
The popularity of a medieval weapon depended on how effective it was, the wielder’s status, and how much the weapon cost. But in the middle of battle, how badly it hurt the opponent was most important.
If you’re interested in learning more about popular medieval weapons, keep reading!
1. The Longsword
The longsword was favored by European knights and first arose in the 14th century. It remained popular until the Late Medieval period.
It was used by wielders who had full plate armor on foot or horseback.
By the 16th century, the use of a longsword by the military became less popular. However, it remained in use as a duel and sports weapon.
There are even more medieval swords to learn about, however.
2. Lance
The lance was designed for and favored by warriors on horseback. A lance is a long spear made of wood that has a sharp metal tip. We usually associate lances with military and sport weapons that European knights carry.
However, the lance was used throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Essentially, wherever horses or other suitable mounts were available, the lance was popular.
Horsemen carried other weapons as well, like swords or maces. This is because lances are too long and heavy to use dismounted or at close range.
3. Mace
The mace is an evolved form of a wooden club. It was mostly used by warriors who faced armored enemies. There are many different variations of maces.
The mace is a bludgeoning weapon. It has a wooden handle and an iron head. Because it had a heavy top, the warrior could swing it without too much effort and it packed a big punch.
It could damage or even destroy armor.
Men on foot would use short maces and men on horseback used longer maces.
4. Billhook
The billhook was used by men in the English infantry. They were most widely used during the Late Medieval and Renaissance period. Famously, the Scottish King James IV was killed by an arrow and billhook.
The billhook was initially used for clearing the undergrowth on a farm. However, the bladed instrument was used as an infantry weapon later on. There are many variations of the billhook.
It is used in a swinging motion and due to the curved blade, it can hook into an enemy’s armor to grapple.
5. Halberd
The halberd is essentially an ax with a hook on the back and a spike on top mounted on a pole. It was used against footmen and horsemen. It was used by men on foot and wielded with two hands.
Most Popular Medieval Weapons
These are just a few of the medieval weapons used in warfare in days gone by. As time passed, many of these weapons fell out of popularity in favor of more efficient and deadly weapons. However, many of these weapons are still used in ceremonies today.
For more tips about hunting equipment new and old, keep reading!