The Angon is believed to have originated in the Frankish Empire during the 8th century and was used extensively by the Frankish army during their campaigns across Europe.
The weapon consisted of a long wooden shaft with a metal head that had a barbed point at one end and a short throwing spear at the other. The head of the Angon was attached to the shaft with a hinge, allowing it to pivot and release the short throwing spear when needed.
The unique design of the Angon allowed soldiers to use it for both long-range and short-range attacks. The barbed point of the Angon could be used to pierce through armor and inflict serious damage on opponents from a distance.
Meanwhile, the short throwing spear was designed to be used in close combat, allowing soldiers to quickly switch to a hand-to-hand weapon if necessary.
The Angon was primarily used by cavalry soldiers, who would charge into battle with the weapon held upright and ready to strike.
The long shaft of the Angon gave cavalry soldiers the advantage of attacking from a distance, allowing them to take down opponents before they got too close.
Additionally, the pivot hinge on the Angon allowed cavalry soldiers to release the short throwing spear at the enemy, giving them an added advantage in close combat.
One tactic that was commonly used by soldiers with the Angon was the “Frisian Horsemen” maneuver. This tactic involved a group of cavalry soldiers charging at the enemy and then, just before reaching them, throwing their short throwing spears and quickly switching to their long-range barbed point.
This maneuver allowed the cavalry soldiers to quickly switch from long-range to short-range attacks, catching the enemy off guard and inflicting maximum damage.
As the Middle Ages came to an end and firearms became more prevalent, the use of the Angon began to decline. Firearms provided soldiers with a more efficient and deadly weapon, making the Angon less practical in battle. Additionally, the high cost of manufacturing the weapon made it less viable for mass production.
Today, the Angon is considered a unique and rare weapon, with only a few surviving examples still in existence. The weapon’s distinctive design and the skill required to wield it make it a fascinating artifact of the Middle Ages.
The Angon was a unique and deadly weapon of the Middle Ages, designed to provide soldiers with both long-range and short-range attacks. Its design allowed for quick and efficient switching between the two modes of attack, making it a formidable weapon on the battlefield.
While the weapon’s use declined over time, its unique design and historical significance continue to make it an object of fascination and study for historians and weapon enthusiasts alike.