Basic, short description of Knights Weapons
The next descriptions provides basic information about each of the knights weapons: - Daggers - Short pointed knives
- Flail - A jointed weapon consisting of a spiked or knobbed steel head joined by a chain to
a short wood handle - Maces - Maces developed from a steel ball on a wooden handle, to an elaborately spiked steel war club
- Lance - A long, strong, spear-like weapon. Designed for use on horseback
- Swords - A variety of different types of swords were used as Knights weapons
Knights Weapons 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. Knights weapons training required a long an arduous training period spreading over at least a fourteen year period and through their training as a page then a squire and eventually a knight. All of the Knights weapons required a high degree of skill and expertise together with strength and agility. Knights weapons training was therefore an extremely aspect of a Medieval knight during the Middle Ages see Pell Training. Various training methods were applied to suit each of the Knights weapons. Training in the use of the lance was practised at the Quintain and included tilting and "Running at the Rings". Training in the use of swords and other close combat weapons were practised at the Pell. Knights weapons training even extended into a game - Pell Mell! The importance of the Medieval Knights Weapons
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 swords, lances, daggers and battle axes 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 Knights Weapons, their armor and their horses were extremely expensive - the fighting power of just one knight was worth 10 ordinary soldiers. |
