- Used as a close contact weapon and also used from horseback
- The shaft was made of either wood or metal
- The lethal head was made of stone, iron, bronze or steel - with flanged or knobbed additions
- The mace weapon could be mounted on either a long shaft, measuring up to 5ft or a short shaft measuring 1ft
- Maces were cheap and simple to make
- A blow could apply tremendous force
- The mace, struck with force, could apply significant injury to a knight and batter his armor
- The weapon was primarily used for bludgeoning an opponent and was particularly effective against opponents wearing plate armor and reducing the effectiveness of the shield
- Type or group of weapons - Bludgeoning Weapon
The Middle Ages was an extremely violent era in history featuring battles in both Europe and the Holy Land when the crusades, and the crusaders who fought them, were numerous. Feudal Lords and Knights used such weapons as the Maces in different types of warfare. The quest for power led to invasions of lands and territories which had to be fought for. Siege warfare, waged to win a castle or a walled town or city, was a frequent occurrence during the Middle Ages. Warfare during the Middle Ages, or Medieval era called for a variety of weapon expertise. Knights and men-at-arms ( foot soldiers, or archers ) used different types of weapons. The Maces was predominantly used by a Foot Soldiers. The weapons used were dictated according to status and position. The weapons, armor and horse of the Knight were extremely expensive - the fighting power of just one knight was worth 10 ordinary soldiers. Maces Training
Skill in the use of Medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in Medieval life. The training required by a Foot Soldiers
to use the Maces : - Training method - The training method practised in the use of the mace was based on strength and accuracy in hitting the target
- A "hit" was scored in Medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area or in the accuracy when hurling the battle axe at a practise target
|
