- Used as a versatile, close contact weapon
- The warhammer weapon could be mounted on either a long shaft or a short shaft
- A blow could apply tremendous force
- The hammer struck with force could apply significant injury to a knight in armor
- The spike end was used for grappling the target's armor or the reins of a warhorse
- The weapon was primarily used for bludgeoning an opponent and the hammer 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 Warhammer 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 Warhammer was predominantly used by a Foot Soldier. 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. Warhammer 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 Soldier to use the Warhammer : - Training method - The training method practised in the use of the Warhammer was based on strength and accuracy in hitting, or 'bashing' the target
- A "hit" was scored in Medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area. A blunted or wooden weapon was used when practising with an opponent
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