“The knight’s weaponry was a reflection of his social status and wealth. The more resources a knight had at his disposal, the more elaborate and expensive his weapons would be.”
Kelly DeVries is a historian and professor of medieval history at Loyola University Maryland.
Here are some of the most common weapons knights used in combat, and the circumstances in which they would use them.
Swords were the most iconic weapon of the knight, and for good reason. They were versatile, deadly, and elegant. Knights used swords in a variety of circumstances, from close combat to charging into battle on horseback.
Swords could be used to slash, stab, or bludgeon, depending on the situation. They were often the weapon of choice for knights in one-on-one combat, as they allowed for quick, precise strikes.
“The sword was the symbol of a knight’s rank and power, but it was also a deadly weapon. In skilled hands, it could cleave through armor and bone alike.”
Richard Abels is a historian and professor of history at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
The lance was another weapon that was closely associated with knights. It was a long, spear-like weapon that was designed for use on horseback. Knights would charge at their opponents with their lances, aiming to knock them off their horses or impale them with the weapon. Lances were used in open battles and jousts, but were not as effective in close combat or sieges.
“The lance was the quintessential weapon of the medieval knight. It was the preferred weapon for mounted combat, and its long reach made it ideal for charging at the enemy.” – David Nicolle
David Nicolle is a British historian and author who specializes in medieval military history, particularly the history of the Middle East and the Crusades.
Polaxe weapons, also known as polearms, were a family of weapons that included the halberd, the glaive, and the poleaxe. These weapons were designed for use by foot soldiers, but knights also used them on occasion.
They were versatile weapons that could be used to stab, slash, or hook an opponent. Knights would use polaxe weapons in situations where they needed to be able to fight both on foot and on horseback.
War hammers were heavy weapons that were designed to crush armor and bones. They were often used by knights in battles against heavily armored opponents, as they were effective at penetrating even the thickest armor. War hammers were also used in sieges, where they could be used to smash through castle walls or gates.
Flail weapons were another type of weapon that was used by knights in battles and sieges. They consisted of a long chain with a heavy ball or spiked ball at the end. Flails were difficult to use, as they required a lot of skill and strength to wield effectively. However, they were deadly weapons that could be used to disarm opponents or knock them to the ground.
While swords were the most common close combat weapon for knights, daggers were also used on occasion. They were small, lightweight weapons that could be used to stab an opponent in close quarters. Knights would often carry a dagger as a backup weapon, in case their sword was lost or damaged in combat.
Crossbows were ranged weapons that were used by knights in a variety of situations. They were particularly effective in sieges, where they could be used to attack castle walls or defend castle gates. Knights would also use crossbows in battles, particularly when they were defending a position or attacking from a distance.
“Knights also made use of a variety of ranged weapons, such as bows and crossbows. These weapons allowed them to strike at the enemy from a distance, before engaging in close combat.”
John France is a British historian and professor emeritus of medieval history at Swansea University in Wales.
The mace was a popular weapon among medieval knights, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was a simple but effective weapon, consisting of a heavy metal head mounted on a wooden or metal shaft.
The head of the mace was typically made of steel and was often studded with sharp points or spikes to increase its effectiveness against armor. Unlike swords or other bladed weapons, the mace was designed to crush or puncture armor rather than cut through it.
“The mace was a brutal and effective weapon, capable of crushing an opponent’s skull or shattering his armor. It was a popular weapon among knights, particularly during the later medieval period.”
Tobias Capwell is a British historian and curator at the Wallace Collection in London, where he specializes in the history of arms and armor.
The mace was also effective against opponents on horseback, as a skilled wielder could use it to knock a rider off their mount. Despite its effectiveness as a weapon, the mace eventually fell out of use in the late Middle Ages as advances in armor and weapons technology made it less effective against newer forms of armor.
Knights had a wide variety of weapons at their disposal, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Swords were the most common weapon, but knights also used other weapons such as lances, polearms, war hammers, flail weapons, daggers, and crossbows.
Each weapon was designed for specific situations, from close combat to sieges, and knights were trained to use them all effectively. Understanding the arsenal of a knight is key to understanding their tactics and strategy in battle.
