Medieval Weapons

There are a number of different weapons a medieval soldier could use in battle. While there are a large number of weapons, they can be broken down into a few broad categories. A lot of these weapons had different heads and different shaft lengths.

Medieval weapons were often designed for close combat and included swords, axes, maces, and spears. These weapons were typically made of iron or steel and required significant skill and strength to wield effectively. Shields were also commonly used for protection. The use of gunpowder in the late medieval period led to the development of early firearms, which eventually replaced many traditional weapons.

Many polearm weapons (weapons with long handles), such as a poleaxe or war hammer, would be similar to the same weapon with a shorter handle. For example, a battle axe and a pole axe were basically the same thing except for the length of the handle.

Bladed Weapons

This group of weapons includes swords, axes, and knives. They came in different sizes and were designed to cut or puncture an opponent. These weapons were designed for one–on–one combat and required enemies to get close to one another.

Axe

Axes were typically used by common soldiers although they were occasionally used by knights. It is mainly used as a cutting weapon and could penetrate armor plates and shields. An axe could cut off an opponent’s arm in one blow.

They were fairly easy to use without the need for a lot of skill although it takes more skill if the soldier wants to throw the axe. The axes were single (one-edge) or double-headed (two edges) weapons and could also be thrown if necessary.

The axe could be placed on a short handle of wood (under a meter) or on a much longer wooden shaft (1.5 meters). Most medieval axes had socketed heads which meant the wooden shaft could be placed into the socket of the axe head.

Swords

Medieval Swords have both a hilt to hold on to and a blade to attack with. The blade can be either curved or straight and have a single edge or a double edge. The edge is used for cutting and hitting while the point of the blade is used for thrusting.

Swords are popular with knights and could be one-handed or two-handed weapons.
Daggers: Daggers are short knives typically used as a stabbing weapon. It had a hilt and a blade similar to a sword but was a lot shorter. A typical dagger was between fifteen to fifty centimeters long. The knife blade could be sharp on one or two edges and was a close combat weapon. It was a secondary weapon that was used with one hand.

Longsword

The longsword (popular during the 14th century), a key medieval weapon, was developed in the late medieval period for knights and men-at-arms. It’s double-edged blade and long hilt made it versatile for cutting and thrusting attacks. Techniques like ‘half-swording’ were developed for precision against armored foes.

This weapon’s range and adaptability influenced fighting styles and tactics, allowing skilled users to engage multiple opponents and adapt to combat changes. The longsword also influenced the development of new martial arts systems, underlining its crucial role in shaping medieval combat.

Broadsword

The broadsword, a medieval weapon, was notable for its wide, double-edged blade, enabling both slashing and thrusting attacks. Its weight required skill and strength for effective use in battle. It also served as a status symbol among knights and nobility, with elaborate designs indicating wealth and rank.

Combat styles of the era reflected its use, emphasizing strong, decisive strikes. However, as armor technology improved, the broadsword gave way to weapons like the longsword or war hammer, capable of handling plate armor. This illustrates the broadsword’s role in a specific phase of medieval warfare, both influenced by and influencing weapon use during this period.

Dagger

The dagger, a small yet significant medieval weapon, was versatile, serving as a secondary combat weapon, an everyday tool, and occasionally, a status symbol. Its double-edged blade and pointed tip made it suitable for close-quarters combat and stealthy operations.

Knights often carried daggers as a backup to their primary weapons. The design and decoration of daggers varied, with embellished versions denoting nobility. Despite its size, the dagger influenced the strategies and social dynamics of medieval warfare.

Falchion

The falchion, a single-edged sword used predominantly from the 13th to 16th centuries, was effective against lightly armored foes due to its axe-like cleaving power. Its relatively light weight allowed for quick, sweeping attacks, making it suitable for infantry and sailors in close quarters.

Variations in design were common, with some featuring a curved blade similar to a scimitar. Additionally, ornate falchions were status symbols for the nobility. Thus, the falchion, with its unique design and functionality, represents the evolution and specialization of medieval weaponry.

Claymore

The Claymore, a large two-handed sword from the late Middle Ages, is a key figure in Scottish warfare history. Noted for its size and distinctive cross-hilt design, it delivered sweeping blows in battle, with its length providing an advantage of reach. Often used by front line warriors to counter heavy cavalry, it was also a symbol of Scottish heritage, influencing swordsmanship and featuring in Scottish iconography and folklore. This underlines the Claymore’s role in shaping warfare tactics and cultural narratives in the Middle Ages.

Katana

The Katana, a traditionally made Japanese sword, was the weapon of choice for the Samurai during the late medieval period. Its design featured a curved, single-edged blade and a long grip for two-handed use, ideal for swift, precise cuts. The crafting process was complex and artistic, resulting in a hard yet flexible blade. The martial arts and tactics developed for its use, known as Kenjutsu, enhanced its combat effectiveness. Beyond warfare, the Katana symbolized honor and duty among Samurai, demonstrating the intricate link between medieval weapons and the societies they were part of.

Scimitar

The Scimitar, a curved sword associated with the Middle East and North Africa, was effective for slashing attacks, especially from horseback. The design focused the impact force on a small blade area, allowing deep, lethal cuts. Scimitars, often ornately decorated, also served as status symbols. The scimitar influenced the development of martial arts and military tactics in the regions where it was prevalent, exemplifying the evolution of medieval weaponry.

Messer

The Messer, a single-edged sword with a knife-like hilt, was a versatile weapon used in Central and Eastern Europe during the 14th to 16th centuries. Its straight blade and sharp point allowed for slashing and thrusting attacks. The size of the Messer varied, with larger versions used in warfare and smaller ones for personal defense. Its classification as a “knife” often had legal implications, permitting it to be carried where swords were prohibited. Thus, the Messer showcases a unique blend of practical design, combat efficiency, and societal considerations in medieval weaponry.

Estoc

The Estoc, a narrow, edgeless sword used from the 14th to 17th century, was designed for combat against armored opponents. Its long, thin, tapering blade was intended for thrusting into armor’s weak points. Wielded with two hands, some versions featured complex hilts for hand protection. The use of the Estoc required precise technique and an understanding of armor’s vulnerabilities. Although less symbolically prominent, the Estoc represents the arms race of the period, responding directly to advancements in defensive armor.

Blunt Weapons

This group of weapons includes maces, hammers, and flails. These blunt weapons were designed in response to the better armor that was being developed. Even if the weapons couldn’t penetrate the armor, the force of the blow from these blunt weapons could still do a lot of damage to a soldier’s opponent. They could shatter shields and break bones through a person’s armor.

Maces

Maces had a blunt, heavy head on the end of a shaft. The head was typically made of stone, iron, bronze, or steel and the shaft of the mace was either wood or metal. Maces were easy to make and did not cost a lot of money. The shaft of the mace could be short or long (up to 1.5 meters long).

Maces were mainly used by foot soldiers but could also be used on horseback.

War Hammers

The war hammer was a powerful weapon and looked like an actual hammer, just bigger. It also had a longer shaft than a regular hammer. Sometimes, the back of the hammerhead had a sharp spike that could be used to attack an enemy’s horse. War hammers had shafts similar in length to maces (30 to 150 cm).

The heads of war hammers were typically made from iron, steel or bronze with wooden or metal handles.

Flails

Flails were popular weapons that were easy to make and use. As with the other blunt weapons, a flail had two parts: a head and a shaft. The difference is that the head and shaft were not directly connected to each other. A length of chain would be attached to one end of the shaft and the other end of the chain would be attached to the head of the flail.

A flail could be used to attack around or over an opponent’s shield with was a good advantage but the flail was not very good for close-up combat since the soldier couldn’t swing it well enough in close quarters.

Mace

Mace, a simple yet effective weapon of medieval times, was primarily designed to penetrate armor. Its design comprised of a heavy head with spikes or knobs on a shaft. Despite its simplicity, the mace evolved alongside advancements in defensive armor. This evolution demonstrated its utility in medieval warfare, earning it a place as a symbol of authority and prowess.

Morningstar

The morningstar, a specific type of mace, was developed during medieval times to deal with heavily armored opponents. Its design, featuring a shaft with a spiked head, allowed it to puncture armor more effectively than a standard mace. This evolution of weaponry was a response to advancements in defensive armor during the Middle Ages. Thus, the morningstar represents the adaptability and resourcefulness necessary in medieval warfare.

Flail

The flail, a distinct medieval weapon, consisted of a handle and a striking head connected by a flexible chain. Its design allowed it to bypass an opponent’s shield or defensive moves, although this made it a challenging weapon to wield. Typically used in close combat, the flail represents the unpredictable nature of medieval warfare. Its unique appearance has cemented its place in historical and fantasy representations of the Middle Ages.

Club

The club, a simple yet effective weapon, was widely used during the medieval period. This short, usually wooden staff was a practical choice for foot soldiers and could be reinforced or adorned with spikes for added damage. Despite being less intricate than weapons like swords or crossbows, the club was a formidable tool in close combat, underscoring the brutal reality of medieval warfare.

Quarterstaff

The quarterstaff, a long wooden rod used in medieval times, was versatile and easy to wield. Its length provided an advantage in keeping distance from opponents, and it could be used for various combat techniques, such as striking or blocking. Though less renowned than swords or maces, the quarterstaff was a practical weapon, commonly used by travelers, pilgrims, and those without access to advanced weaponry.

War Pick

The war pick, a combat adaptation of a pickaxe, was a medieval weapon designed to penetrate heavy plate armor. With a pointed steel head, it could deliver a forceful, penetrating blow to break through even the toughest defenses. Its evolution was a direct response to advancements in armor during the Middle Ages. While not as commonly recognized as swords or bows, the war pick was a practical, powerful tool in medieval warfare.

Bec de Corbin

The Bec de Corbin, a pole weapon from medieval Europe, was designed to counter heavy knight armor. Named after it’s raven’s beak’ spike, it featured a hammerhead on one side and a curved spike on the other, allowing for versatility in combat. Its long reach provided a safety advantage in battles. Although less known than swords or bows, the Bec de Corbin was a significant weapon, illustrating the continual adaptation necessary in medieval warfare.

Lucerne Hammer

The Lucerne hammer, named after its origin in Switzerland, was a versatile medieval weapon designed to counter heavy armor. It featured a three-pronged head, with a spike for thrusting, a hammer for bludgeoning, and a hook for unbalancing opponents. The long shaft of the Lucerne hammer extended the wielder’s reach in combat. Though less famous than the sword, its effectiveness in battle signifies its importance in medieval warfare.

Ranged Weapons

Ranged weapons were developed to attack a group of enemies from a distance. Longbowmen and crossbowmen were highly effective and were often instrumental to winning a battle. This group of weapons include the longbow, the crossbow, and hand cannons.

Longbows

During a battle, bowmen did not target a single individual. A group of bowmen fired numerous arrows into a group of enemies in order to disrupt the ranks before the cavalry charged. Bows fired quickly and were much quicker than the crossbow or the guns that had been developed up to this point. The longbow took a lot of training and conditioning in order to be able to repeatedly fire arrows at opponents.

Crossbows

The crossbow was similar to a bow but was horizontal. It had a trigger and took only minimal skill or strength to fire. It used a mechanical device to draw back the crossbow string so the crossbow delivered its arrows (or bolts) with much more force. They were not as accurate as a longbow but were much easier to use. Crossbowmen needed very little training.

Hand Cannons

Hand cannons were the first firearms that were effective. They had a range of around 50 to 300 meters. The hand cannon could be carried by one person but it needed two or more soldiers to make it work. The cannon had to be loaded, aimed, and fired by lighting the gunpowder in a small hole in the side of the cannon.

There are a lot more weapons (or variations of weapons) that have been used throughout the Middle Ages. This list only gives you a small idea of some of the weapons used in the many battles that occurred throughout this time period.

Arbalest

The arbalest, a more powerful version of the crossbow, was a significant weapon in medieval times. Its high draw weight allowed for greater range and power, though it required a special mechanism to reload. The arbalest could be used by less-trained soldiers, making it a practical choice despite its slow reload time and high production cost. It represents the balance between power and practicality that characterized medieval weaponry.

Sling

The sling, a weapon made of woven rope or leather, was used in the medieval period to launch small projectiles. Despite its simplicity, it could be very effective in skilled hands, capable of striking targets at considerable distances. The sling’s low cost, light weight, and ease of use made it popular among foot soldiers and peasants. Its continued use throughout the Middle Ages demonstrates its practicality in warfare.

Javelin

The javelin, a light spear designed for throwing, was a practical weapon in the medieval battlefield. It was useful for disrupting enemy lines and targeting distant foes, and could also serve as a stabbing tool in close combat. The simplicity and light weight of the javelin made it accessible to common infantry. Despite the rise of more advanced siege weapons, the continued use of the javelin highlights its practicality and versatility in medieval warfare.

Trebuchet

The trebuchet, a significant advancement in medieval siege warfare, used a counterweight system to launch projectiles over great distances. It was more powerful and accurate than the earlier catapult, capable of throwing heavy stones or incendiaries into enemy fortifications. While its construction demanded time, resources, and skilled labor, the trebuchet’s potential in a siege was invaluable, symbolizing the constant drive for tactical advantage in medieval warfare.

Ballista

The ballista, an impressive medieval weapon, was a large projectile launcher used for siege warfare. It utilized torsion springs to propel bolts or stones with great force, providing long-range and destructive capabilities. Operating a ballista required significant resources and expertise, making it accessible only to well-funded military forces. Nevertheless, it symbolizes the innovative nature of medieval warfare.

Catapult

The catapult, a powerful medieval weapon, played a crucial role in besieging fortifications. It launched heavy projectiles using tension and torsion, causing damage and chaos among enemy troops. Skilled engineers and significant resources were required for its construction and operation. The catapult exemplified the ingenuity and tactical prowess of medieval warfare, with its ability to breach fortifications and project massive projectiles.

Fire Arrow

The fire arrow, a captivating innovation in medieval warfare, added a terrifying element to the battlefield. Coated in a flammable substance, these arrows ignited upon impact, engulfing targets in flames. Fire arrows were effective against fortifications, ships, and enemy troops, aiming to incite fear and disrupt formations. Their production and use required skill and caution. This innovation showcased the adaptability of medieval warfare, harnessing the destructive power of fire for strategic advantage.

Armor in the Middle Ages

Armor in the Middle Ages was crucial in relation to medieval weapons, often evolving in response to weapon advancements. Initially, chainmail was common, offering protection from cutting attacks of swords or axes. However, the emergence of the crossbow and longbow, capable of penetrating chainmail, necessitated the development of plate armor.

This armor, though comprehensive, had varying effectiveness depending on the weapon used against it. For instance, maces and war hammers could dent the plate, leading to design improvements. Therefore, medieval weapons and armor constantly influenced each other’s evolution.

Medieval Siege Warfare

Siege warfare in the Middle Ages involved strategic use of medieval weapons. Offensively, weapons like trebuchets and battering rams were used to breach castle defenses. Defensively, tools such as arrows, boiling oil, and stones were used against attackers. As time progressed, castle designs evolved to counter offensive weaponry, incorporating features like arrow slits and murder holes.

However, the advent of gunpowder weaponry, including cannons, in the late medieval period revolutionized siege warfare, making many traditional tactics and defenses outdated. This reflects how the development of weapons shaped medieval siege strategies.

Medieval Tactics and Strategies

Medieval tactics and strategies were deeply tied to the weapons of the era. The cavalry used lances effectively from horseback, while the longbow’s range and power were used strategically by English longbowmen.

Pike formations by infantry countered the threat of cavalry. Castle designs considered the use of weapons, including arrow slits for archers and murder holes for dropping stones or hot liquids. The introduction of gunpowder and cannons led to a shift from castles to star forts and from knights to soldiers armed with arquebuses. In essence, the evolution of medieval weapons significantly influenced warfare tactics and strategies.

Medieval Combat Training

Medieval combat training required mastery of various weapons, with each requiring specialized skills. Swords, axes, maces, polearms, and longbows were the most common. Swordsmanship was prestigious, often taught by a knight or master-at-arms. Axes and maces required brute strength and techniques like swinging and striking.

Polearms training involved balance and exploiting reach. Training for longbowmen emphasized strength for powerful, ranged shots. Overall, training wasn’t just about weapon handling—it also included strategy, awareness, body positioning, stamina, and adaptability.