Medieval Weapons and Tactics of the Knights

While the knights of the Middle Ages were adept at handling a variety of different types of weapons in different combat situations, the sword and the lance were mainstays. They used these weapons in training, in jousting competitions, and in actual warfare.

These medieval weapons were employed in very different manners. The lance, long and heavy, would be used for a cavalry charge, in which the knight would spur his horse forward and attempt to land a hit that would unseat the enemy from their mount. These charges, led by the knights, were a great way to send an enemy's army into disarray.

After the enemy was on the ground, melee combat would ensue. When this happened, the sword became the weapon of choice for the knights. The type of sword combat in which they engaged was swift, and brutal. The knights moved far more easily in their armor than one might expect (after all, they trained to fight in their armor), and they were deadly opponents. The sword battles in which knight fought against knight were nothing like the choreographed dances that one sees on movies and in television today.

The cavalry was the deciding factor in many battles including the battle of Arsouf in 1191when Richard the Lionheart fought the infamous Saladin. Over the years, however, the importance of mounted warriors started to decline. Many believe this was due to the implementation of other weapons (powerful bows that could pierce the chain and plated armor of the knights) and other methods of warfare. While still effective in the fight, they simply didn't have as much sway over the outcome of a battle as they once did.

Regarding medieval weapons, it is interesting to note that many foot soldiers also used swords. Depending on their status and wealth, they may also have used clubs, axes or spears. Clergymen who went to war were not allowed to use bladed weapons although they were expected to fight. Thus, they began using weapons like the club and the mace – they were still effective combatants, but they didn't draw blood as one would with a blade.

The warfare style of the knights, and indeed all of the warriors who lived and fought from the Dark Ages through the Renaissance, was impressive and ever changing. As new techniques, weapons came into use the warriors themselves adapted and came up with new armors and tactics.

BladeMaster Steve is a staff writer at HeavenlySwords.com, your online retailer and importer of high quality medieval weapons.