Medieval Weapons in the Middle Ages

Weapons of the Middle Ages were vital in the the Middle Ages The reason is because these times were very violent. Everyone was questing for wealth and power. What is the quickest way to wealth and power, why to take it from someone else that already has it! There in a nutshell were the Middle Ages. Many castles were built during this time to protect the landowners and their seats of power. People were prepared for war at all times, as skirmishes or full out wars and battles were not infrequent.

Medieval weapons varied as to their purpose. As the armor worn by the knights and soldiers developed, the weapons had to change with it. Swords that were used in the beginning had to change when chain mail came into use. It was during this time that The Crusades were fought in the Holy Land. The Knights Templar, Teutonic Knights and Hospitallers fought in the Holy Lands with the blessing of their lords and kings.

The classes of weapons used by the foot soldiers and knights were very different, due to their different needs as knights were on horseback. Not everyone got the latest weapon developed, as it all depended on their status and position in the Feudal System. Having knights in your employ was very expensive. The weapons, armor for knight and horse and the horse were very costly. The Feudal System declared that Lords were expected to provide trained soldiers for the country. Knights were in turn supported by their soldiers.

The variety of medieval weapons used during these times includes polearms, battle axes, maces, billhook, caltrop, flail, halberd, longbow, bow, crossbow, pike, poleaxe, quarterstaff, spear, warhammer, baton and scimitar. Those weapons were used primarily by foot soldiers as knights needed weapons that could be used while on horseback. Their weapons consisted of the lance, sheilds and swords such as the broadsword, falchion, greatsword and longsword.

The large variety of medieval weapons in the middle ages was due to the Feudal System. No one was free in the sense that every one owed allegiance and had to fight for someone. Everyone was expected to pay the kingdom by providing trained soldiers for the king, and providing clothes and weapons for the soldiers. Every man in the Middle Ages was expected to learn at least one weapon. When there was a Call To Arms, all men were required to fight for at least 40 days, and in some circumstances it would be increased to 90 days.