
However, the popularity of the battle-axe and bearded axes did not decline even later, during the late medieval period. Therefore, this weaponry was often called the Danish or Nordic axe. Battle Axesīattle-axes were the most famous Viking weapon in the early Medieval Ages. Throughout history many civilizations have used daggers in ritual contexts as well, making them a very symbolic medieval weapon. It was easy to use but also cheap to produce so that every warrior could afford having these in battle. The dagger was intended for self-defense and was used in combination with a sword as a form of personal protection. This stabbing weapon came with one or two edges while their tip was always extremely sharp. Daggers and Knivesĭuring the medieval war, daggers and knives were used as a secondary weapon.

However, even with all these changes, a sword was still expensive to make, and therefore we cannot say that it was a vital part of military equipment as not everyone could afford it. The blade was narrower and sharper at the top and thus more efficient in combat. So, around the thirteenth century, changes in the appearance of swords began to be visible. Therefore, their construction had to change. However, as the plate armour (defensive military equipment) became harder to penetrate, sword's blade became increasingly inefficient. Therefore, steel swords were reserved mainly for wealthy warriors.Īt the very beginning of the Middle Ages, swords were of simple design. However, due to the expensive workmanship, common soldiers could not afford a steel sword. They wore it for protection, they believed it symbolized wisdom, and they used it to express their masculinity. The soldiers wore swords to show their status and power. So a sword was an important weapon whose function was not just to kill. Many civilizations made swords and gave them different meanings over time. For medieval warriors, a sword was much more than just a close combat weapon. SwordsĪs we have said, a sword is tool that is mainly associated with fighting in the Medieval Ages.

3 Main Groups of Medieval Armaments Close Combat Weapon Types 1. What weapons were most commonly used in the Medieval Ages? Which medieval weaponry was the strongest and most effective? Which the most beautiful? Although these two types of weapons were fundamental, medieval warriors fought against their enemies with many different and surprisingly brutal kinds of weaponry. However, many medieval weapons could indeed be used for both defense and attack.Īlso, there is a division according to which weapons are divided into close combat weaponry and ranged combat weapons (throwing weapons).Įither way, when we talk about wars in the Medieval Ages, we mostly imagine glamorous knights wielding a sword or a spear on a battlefield. Today, you'll get to read about how the weapons of the Middle Ages were divided into offensive and defensive groups. Therefore it's sometimes challenging to determine the the exact breakdown of the weapons used in this period. There was a significant development of all kinds of medieval weaponry during the Dark ages.
