This type of Morning Star featured a metal head with multiple flanges or protruding spikes arranged in a star-like pattern, hence the weapon’s name.
The spiked Morning Star had a single large spike or several smaller spikes on its head, designed to deliver crushing blows and penetrate armor.
Also known as a Mace-and-Chain Morning Star, this variant had a spiked metal head attached to a chain, allowing for greater reach and flexibility in combat.
Morning Stars were primarily used by foot soldiers and knights during the medieval period. Their main purpose was to break through armor and incapacitate opponents.
The spiked heads were capable of inflicting severe injuries, even against heavily armored adversaries.
Morning Star wielders typically aimed for vulnerable areas such as joints, visors, or gaps in armor to maximize their effectiveness.
“The Morning Star was a fearsome weapon that played a significant role in medieval warfare. Its spiked metal head, mounted on a wooden handle, allowed for devastating blows capable of penetrating armor. The weapon’s effectiveness in breaking through defenses and incapacitating opponents made it a favored choice among knights and foot soldiers during the 14th and 15th centuries.”
Dr. Tobias Capwell, Curator of Arms and Armor at The Wallace Collection, and author of “Arms and Armor of the Medieval Knight.”
Morning Stars were carefully crafted by skilled blacksmiths. The process involved forging a metal head with spikes or flanges, often using iron or steel. The head was then mounted onto a wooden handle, creating a balanced and sturdy weapon. The spikes were sharpened to increase their piercing power, while the handle was designed to provide a secure grip for the wielder.
Morning Star weapons rose to prominence during the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly in Europe. They were favored by knights and infantrymen as effective anti-armor weapons. The widespread use of plate armor during this period necessitated the development of weapons capable of piercing or denting such formidable defenses, making Morning Stars a valuable addition to a warrior’s arsenal.
“The Morning Star was a formidable anti-armor weapon that emerged during the late Middle Ages. Its spikes or flanges were designed to deliver powerful strikes, targeting weak points in the enemy’s armor. The weapon’s prominence in battles such as Crécy showcases its effectiveness and contribution to the changing dynamics of medieval warfare.”
Dr. Kelly DeVries, Professor of History at Loyola University Maryland, and author of “Medieval Military Technology.”
Battle of Crécy (1346): During the Hundred Years’ War, English longbowmen armed with Morning Stars played a significant role in the Battle of Crécy. They used the weapons to devastating effect against French knights, who struggled to defend against the powerful blows.
Battle of Bosworth Field (1485): Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England, famously fought with a Morning Star at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Although Richard’s forces ultimately lost the battle, his use of the weapon showcased its efficacy and ferocity in combat.
The main difference between a Morning Star and a mace lies in their design and construction.
Morning Star
A Morning Star is a type of spiked weapon consisting of a solid metal head with spikes or flanges attached to a handle. The spikes or flanges can be arranged in a star-like pattern or have a single large spike. Morning Stars were typically made of iron or steel and were designed to deliver powerful blows against armored opponents. Some variations of Morning Stars had a chain attached to the handle, allowing for increased reach and flexibility in combat.
Mace
A mace, on the other hand, is a blunt weapon that features a heavy, solid metal head mounted on a handle. Unlike the Morning Star, the head of a mace is usually spherical or club-like in shape, without spikes or flanges. The mace’s head can be smooth or studded with small blunt protrusions. It is commonly made of metal, such as iron or steel, and its weight and force were intended to deliver crushing blows to armored or unarmored foes.
In summary, the key differences are that the Morning Star has a spiked head, often arranged in a star-like pattern, while a mace has a blunt head, typically spherical or club-like in shape.
The Morning Star’s spikes or flanges are meant to penetrate armor, whereas the mace’s weight and impact aim to crush and incapacitate opponents.
The Morning Star weapon, with its spiked metal head and formidable striking power, left an indelible mark on medieval warfare. From flanged to spiked variants, Morning Stars were instrumental in breaking through armor and incapacitating opponents.
Their prominence in battles like Crécy and their association with historical figures like Richard III further solidify their place in history as fearsome and iconic medieval weapons.
