Weapons

By: Matty Wagner **
 * Medeival Weapons and Warfare

The Medeival Ages were a time of little gain in culture and economics. There was one thing everyone was trying to develop to become better, faster, and stronger. That thing was weaponry. Every kingdom was racing to get the competative edge in seige warfare, and wether it was developed for throwing boulders, and topling castles, or merely thinning the advancing ranks, the weapons of this time were fascinating, powerful, and creative.



Pikes: these were long pieces of wood 6 or 7 feet long with a spike at the end, and a curved blade at the side of it, this was used by poorer foot soldiers, and it could knock a soldier off his horse, so he could be finished off by the spike.

Longbow: These were the machine guns of the day. Firing over 6 shots every minute, these could mow down any that opposed it. The English were the true masters of this deadly weapon, perfecting its speed, power, and its armor piercing power. It was with these deadly tools, that the English decemated the French at the battle of Agincourte, even though they were badly outnumbered.

War hammer- Thought to have been created by blacksmiths wanting more from their tools, this had a hammers head, and the back of a pick axe. They were used to cut skulls open, and to rip through armor. Even if the armor protected you, the power of the swing could still give you a concussion, or break bones.

Sword- Preferred weapon of the knights, several feet long, the knights fought with these from horseback, very dangerous, often called claymores, these were strong, but light and used by foot soldiers, and nobility alike. There were two main types of swords- one- handed, often accompanied by a shield; and two- handed which were caried by footsoldiers to slice through armor. These swords were made even more deadly by the fact that they were rarely washed, causing many otherwise non-deadly wounds to become infected.

Trebuchet- This was a large catapult designed to be quicker, and cheaper to set up than other catapults, but have a much greater range, and power. These would often be used to fire boulders to smash buildings, or dead bodies to spread disease. These were often used in seige warfare, to break through the outer walls of a castle Ballista- like an enormous crossbow, fired huge bolts at enemies, often set up in castles, could destroy trebuchets if manned by an accurate crew. Often, these were fired mainly for collateral damage, and creating fear in enemies Battering ram: These were siege machines designed to destroy walls and gates. A very heavy log, or iron pole was suspended by chains, ant the roof of the structure was made of wood, to protect from rocks and arrows, then covered in wet animal skins, so it could not be burned. Siege Tower: These were the largest by far of all siege engines. They were designed to be very tall, with ladders and platforms going around inside of them. They had a drawbridge- like part that was lowered over the wall, and onto the ramparts of the castle wall. Then, the invading armies could climb up the tower, and charge into the castle without breaking through the thick walls.

Helpful Websites

[|http://www.stormthecastle.com/] [] []