Evolution of Medieval Weapons By: Drew Hayes

Importance of Weapons During medieval times empires and tribes were constantly at war with one another. Technology was very limited. Any new weapons that could be acquired would be considered a huge advantage Over time more complex and deadly weapons were developed.

Weapons Prior to Medieval Times Generally stone and wood were used to craft weapons These materials were difficult to produce and unreliable on the battlefield

Introduction of Metal Weapons The use of metal dramatically changed the number and type of weapons available These weapons were more reliable, accurate, and deadly than prior weapons

Knight’s Weapons

Swords Medieval swords were the primary weapons of the Knights. Medieval swords changed as Medieval Warfare and armor changed. At the beginning of the Middle Ages a double edged slashing sword was used but as time went by it evolved into a stronger, diamond-shaped sword that could thrust between the rings of chain mail more easily. The 13th century saw modification of swords, which could pierce a knight’s armor The names of the different Medieval swords included the Broadsword, Falchion sword, Longsword, Scimitar, and Greatsword.

Swords-Pictures

Battle Axes Battle Axes were weapons that were designed as single and double-handed battle axes. They were used as a close contact weapon in the early Medieval period of the Middle Ages and could apply tremendous blows but could also be hurled as a projectile. Axes designed in warfare ranged from 1 to 6 pounds and was at a length of up to 30 cm Battle axes were an improvement from splitting axes due to the fact that battle axes were meant to cut through limbs and create devastating blows rather than cut wood

Battle Axes-Pictures

Crossbow a weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles, often called bolts. The medieval crossbow was called by many names, most of which derived from the word ballista. This weapon was used by almost every army or empire The crossbow gave a great advantage to whomever used it because you could shoot it from far range and it was easy to reload

Crossbow-Pictures

Longbow A longbow is a type of bow that is tall (roughly equal to the height of a person who uses it) this will allow its user a fairly long draw, at least to the jaw. A longbow is not significantly recurved. Its limbs are relatively narrow so that they are circular or D-shaped in cross section. Because the longbow can be made from a single piece of wood, it can be crafted relatively easily and quickly Longbows were more deadly than any other bow because they had further range, could reload faster, and were quieter This weapon was the most significant development during the 13th century

Longbow-Pictures

Siege Weapons

Trebuchet A trebuchet is a siege engine somewhat like a catapult that was employed in the Middle Ages either to smash giant walls or to throw projectiles over them The Trebuchet appeared in both Christian and Muslim lands around the Mediterranean in the twelfth century. It could fling up to three-hundred and fifty pound projectiles at high speeds into enemy fortifications. On occasion, disease-infected corpses were flung into cities in an attempt to infect or terrorize the people under siege

Trebuchet-Pictures

Mangonel A mangonel was a type of catapult or siege machine used in the medieval period to throw projectiles at a castle's walls. It consisted of a heavy frame which supported a long arm with a cup at the free end Mangonels shot heavy projectiles from a bowl-shaped bucket at the end of the arm. The bucket could launch more rocks than a sling which gave it an advantage The mangonel's principal role in battle, particularly medieval battle, was to knock down a castle or city's walls and infrastructure, not to kill/demoralize troops.

Mangonel-Pictures

Ballista A ballista was a siege engine in the form of a large bow which shot heavy arrows or stones The range was about 400 yards throwing a stone of 60 pounds. Its power was derived from twisted ropes called skeins The early Roman ballista were made of wood, and held together with iron plates around the frames and iron nails in the stand. The main stand had a slider on the top, into which were loaded the bolts or stone.

Ballista-Pictures

Greek Fire This was a volatile combination of petroleum, oil, and other natural products It generated a highly flammable substance that burned on water and was excruciatingly hot Soldiers would turn to this as the enemy advanced closer and were trying to break down walls This substance was used to create incendiary arrows but could also be blown through tubes at close range

Greek Fire-Pictures

Battering Rams A battering ram has a sharp end , and the objective of it was to break away stones so that infantry could breach a castle or an empire Its primary use was against large doors because they were easier to breach than stone walls In a more sophisticated design, a battering ram was slung from a wheeled support frame by ropes or chains so that it could be much more massive and also more easily swung against its target. Some battering rams were not slung from ropes or chains, but were instead supported by rollers. This allowed the ram to achieve a greater speed before striking its target and was therefore more destructive

Battering Ram-Pictures

Conclusion All of these weapons seen in this presentation were used all over the world. They all were a vital part of an empire’s victory against it’s enemy. Eventually though, a new age appeared as gunpowder was created in the 16th century, which took war to a whole new level.

Bibliography 1. Sheppard, Shirley Jean. "The Medieval World Series: The Life of a Knight; Life in a Castle; Medieval Society; Places of Worship in the Middle Ages; Women and Girls in the Middle Ages; Medieval Warfare.(Non-Fiction: Preschool--Grade 6)(Brief Article)(Children's Review)(Book Review)."  Resource Links. 9. 3 (Feb 2004): 25(2). Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. Greater Atlanta Christian School. 27 Sep. 2009 <http://find.galegroup.com/srcx/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=SRC-1&docId=A114703937&source=gale&srcprod=SRCG&userGroupName=norc72195&version=1.0>. 2. Blademaster, Steve. "Medieval weapons and Tactics of the Knights." Www.buzzle.com. Steve Bladematser, 7 May 2008. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. 3. Hull, Lise. "Medieval Weaponry." Www.castles-of-britian.com. Lise Hull, 23 June 2008. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. 4. Chrisp, Peter. Medieval Realms: Warfare. Farmington Hills,Minnesota: Hodder Wayland, 2004. Print 5. Grant, R.G. Warrior: A Visual History of the Fighting Man. New York City: Jonathan Metcalf, 2007. Print Additional Sources "Medieval Weapons." Www.wikipedia.com. Ed. Various. Www.wikipedia.org. Web. 27 Sept. 2009.