What did Knights use as Weapons?
Knights, the iconic warriors of medieval Europe, were known for their bravery, chivalry, and martial prowess. But what exactly did they use as weapons to defend themselves and their kingdom? In this article, we’ll delve into the various weapons used by knights throughout history.
Early Medieval Period (5th-10th century)
During the early medieval period, knights did not have the luxury of specialized weapons like the ones used in later centuries. Instead, they relied on:
• Swords: Simple, single-handed swords with a single edge, often with a cruciform hilt.
• Lances: Long, wooden poles with a pointed tip, used for jousting and shock combat.
• Bows and Arrows: Short, recurve bows and arrows, often used for hunting and skirmishing.
• Maces: Heavy, club-like weapons with a metal ball or spike on the end.
• Daggers: Small, handheld knives used for close combat and self-defense.
High Medieval Period (11th-13th century)
As the medieval period progressed, knights began to develop more specialized weapons, including:
• Longswords: Longer, double-edged swords with a complex hilt and a more balanced design.
• Great Horses: Large, powerful warhorses used for charging and shock combat.
• War Hammers: Heavy, two-handed hammers with a metal head and a long handle.
• Crossbows: Portable, mechanical devices that fired a bolt or quarrel.
• Pikes: Long, pointed poles used for infantry combat and defending against cavalry charges.
Late Medieval Period (14th-15th century)
During the late medieval period, knights continued to refine their weapons and tactics, incorporating new technologies and designs:
• Gothic Hilt Swords: Swords with a distinctive, curved hilt and a longer, more balanced design.
• Hastilude Hammers: Heavy, two-handed hammers with a flat, broad head and a long handle.
• Rondel Daggers: Small, handheld daggers with a rounded or oval-shaped blade.
• Hand Cannons: Portable, handheld firearms that fired a single shot.
• War Chariots: Light, horse-drawn vehicles used for rapid transportation and combat.
Table: Comparison of Medieval Weapons
| Weapon | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sword | Single-handed, single-edged | Versatile, effective for close combat | Limited range, vulnerable to armor |
| Lance | Long, wooden pole | Effective for shock combat, jousting | Heavy, cumbersome, vulnerable to armor |
| Bow and Arrow | Short, recurve bow | Effective for ranged combat, hunting | Limited range, vulnerable to armor |
| Mace | Heavy, club-like | Effective for close combat, breaking armor | Heavy, cumbersome, limited range |
| Dagger | Small, handheld | Effective for close combat, self-defense | Limited range, vulnerable to armor |
Conclusion
Knights, as iconic warriors of medieval Europe, relied on a variety of weapons to defend themselves and their kingdom. From the early medieval period’s simple swords and lances to the late medieval period’s Gothic hilt swords and hand cannons, knights continually refined their weapons and tactics to stay ahead of the curve. Whether used for close combat, ranged combat, or shock combat, each weapon played a crucial role in the knight’s arsenal.
