Medieval knights were trained warriors who played an important role in Europe during the Middle Ages. These knights were trained in the use of various weapons, including swords, axes, maces, lances, daggers, and poleaxes.
These weapons were used in battle, tournaments, and other forms of combat, and were often imbued with symbolic significance.
In this article, we will explore the various weapons used by medieval knights, including their training, the different types of weapons available to them, and some interesting facts about these weapons.
Training
Medieval knights underwent rigorous training in the use of their weapons. This training began at a young age, with boys often starting their training as pages at the age of seven.
They would then progress to the rank of squire at the age of 14, at which point they would begin serving a knight and learning the skills of the trade.
This training included instruction in horsemanship, chivalric virtues, and the use of various weapons, including swords, lances, and other types of arms.
Related, in-depth article: How did knights train?
Swords
The sword was a central weapon in the arsenal of a medieval knight. The most common type of sword used by knights was the longsword, which was a versatile two-handed weapon that could be used for both cutting and thrusting. These swords were typically made of steel and were designed to be durable and effective in battle.
In addition to the longsword, knights also used other types of swords, including the rapier, a slender, pointed sword that was primarily used for thrusting; the saber, a curved sword that was well-suited for cutting; and the scimitar, a curved sword with a single-edged blade that was commonly used by knights in the Middle East and North Africa.
Swords were not only used in battle, but also had symbolic significance for knights. Many knights believed that their swords held special powers or blessings and would often inscribe them with special symbols or even give them names. The sword was also a crucial element of knightly tournaments, where knights would demonstrate their skill with the weapon in mock combat. Overall, the sword played a central role in the life and culture of medieval knights.
Axes
In addition to swords, medieval knights also commonly used axes as weapons in combat. These axes were typically made of steel and were designed for cutting and chopping. The most common type of axe used by knights was the battle axe, which was a large, heavy weapon with a single- or double-edged blade.
The battle axe was well-suited for use in hand-to-hand combat and could be used to deliver powerful blows to an opponent’s armor. Knights also used other types of axes, including the hand axe and the war axe. The hand axe was a smaller, more portable version of the battle axe that was often carried as a backup weapon. The war axe was a larger, more heavily-constructed axe that was designed for use in more intense combat situations.
Medieval knights used axes in battle and also believed that they had special powers or blessings. They often inscribed their axes with symbols or gave them names. Just like swords, axes were also used in knightly tournaments for mock combat.
Maces and Flails
Maces and flails were also commonly used by medieval knights as weapons in combat. Maces were blunt weapons that were designed to deliver powerful blows to an opponent. These weapons were often made of heavy materials, such as iron or steel, and had a solid, rounded head at the end of a handle. Maces were effective at bashing through armor and could deliver crushing blows to an opponent.
Flails were another type of weapon used by medieval knights. These weapons consisted of a chain with a heavy ball or other object attached to the end. Flails were swung around and could be used to deliver powerful blows to an opponent. Like maces, flails were effective at bashing through armor and could deliver devastating blows in combat.
Both maces and flails were used as secondary weapons by knights, often as a backup to their primary weapon, such as a sword or an axe. These weapons were particularly effective in close-quarters combat and could be used to deliver powerful blows to an opponent when other weapons were not practical. Overall, maces and flails were important weapons in the arsenal of medieval knights.
Lances
Lances were long, pointed weapons that were used by knights in mounted combat. These weapons were typically made of wood and were reinforced with metal at the tip to make them more durable and effective in battle. Lances were designed to be used by knights while riding on horseback and were used to charge at an opponent and deliver a powerful thrust.
Lances were an important weapon for medieval knights, as they allowed knights to engage in mounted combat and take advantage of their mobility and speed on horseback. In addition to being used in battle, lances were also commonly used in knightly tournaments, where knights would demonstrate their skill with the weapon in mock combat.
Daggers
Daggers were small, short-bladed weapons that were often carried by medieval knights as a backup weapon. These weapons were designed for close-quarters combat and could be used to deliver quick, precise strikes. Daggers were typically small and lightweight, making them easy to carry and handle in combat.
Similar to maces and flails, knights often carried daggers as a secondary weapon, to be used in close-quarters combat or as a backup weapon if their primary weapon, such as a sword or an axe, was lost or damaged. Daggers were also useful for tasks such as cutting rope or other materials, and were often carried for this purpose as well.
Poleaxes
Poleaxes were long, pole-like weapons that were used by medieval knights in combat. These weapons had a variety of attachments, such as blades, hammers, and spikes, and were designed to deliver powerful blows and pierce armor.
Poleaxes were typically made of wood or metal and were reinforced with additional materials, such as steel or iron, to make them more durable and effective in battle.
They were a versatile weapon that could be used in a variety of combat situations. The attachments on the weapon, such as blades or spikes, allowed knights to deliver different types of blows depending on the situation.
The long, pole-like handle of the weapon also gave knights reach and leverage in combat, allowing them to deliver powerful blows from a distance.
How Many Weapons Did a Knight Carry?
It was not uncommon for medieval knights to carry multiple weapons. The specific number of weapons a knight carried would depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of combat they were expecting to engage in, the armor they were wearing, and their personal preferences.
Typically, a knight would carry at least one primary weapon, such as a sword or an axe, and possibly a secondary weapon, such as a mace or a dagger. In addition to these weapons, knights might also carry other equipment, such as shields, helmets, and armor, which could also serve as weapons in certain situations.
Interesting Facts about Knight Weapons
- Many medieval knights owned multiple weapons and would choose the one best suited to the situation at hand.
- Some medieval knights were known for their expertise with a particular weapon, such as the longsword or the lance.
- Many knights believed that their weapons were imbued with special powers or blessings, and would often name their weapons or inscribe them with special symbols.
- In addition to their use in battle, medieval knightly weapons were also used in tournaments, where knights would compete in mock combat in order to hone their skills and demonstrate their prowess.
Conclusion