Since they were cheaper to make, they were most commonly used by peasants. Knives were a shorter type of weapon, consisting of a handle and a single blade. Its widespread use is also witnessed by the Hussar army that was assembled of defectors who were skilled in Turkish type of warfare, by the Hungarian king Mattias Corvinus in 1474 this light cavalry’s primary weapon was sabre. the Polish will make it their national weapon (“karabela “). Later, many nations that were in contact with the Turks will readopt the sabre, i.e. It will reemerge in Europe during the Turkish invasion of this area. However, with a gradual dominance of the sword as a primary medieval weapon, sabre vanishes from general use. They were brought to Europe during the Migration and were used by the Huns, Avars and Hungarians. They were later adopted by the Persians, as well as nations of India and Japan. This weapon originates from the East, from the equestrian tribes of middle Asia. 4Īpart from swords, another important weapon were sabres. By a single stroke, they could pierce through metal, but also inflict a deadly wound to the enemy. Though swords of other warriors were slightly more modest, they display excellent craftsmanship nevertheless. 3 Swords of the noblemen were especially richly decorated and were also often attributed with supernatural powers. The most common and well known weapon amongst the warriors of the Middle Ages were swords. For example, it is a known fact that in Charlemagne’s time, a sword cost seven cows, and a spear two. It was, in any way, harder for the lower classes to get a hold of weapons since they were costly. Travelling merchants were allowed to carry weapons, in order to defend themselves from robbers, but they were not allowed to carry them “in a knightly manner “, on their body, only attached to the saddle or inside the wagon. 1122-1190) banned carrying or possession of weapons (spear or sword) to peasants. Later, other bans are introduced on a social level as well. That is why Charlemagne banned selling weapons to Slavs and Avars. The Slavs were in shortage of iron, so they preferred ranged weapons. The territories of Europe did not use the same weaponry. Throughout the entire Middle Ages the cavalry was predominant, only during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) the infantry, armed with bows and arrows, becomes increasingly significant, and sometime later the Swiss footmen equipped with close combat weapons (spears, halberds) will have become extremely efficient soldiers. Infantry was used as a backup and mainly armed with bows. They were mostly armed with cold weapons (spear, sword, battle axe…), and were protected by armour. Infantry loses its significance, and the primary focus is passed onto the knight’s horsemen. Warfare remains only among the narrow circle of nobility, future knights. After settling in their newly conquered lands, they gradually lose their belligerence, turning more to a sedentary lifestyle, mainly agriculture. Their military campaigns were participated by entire nations, which included all the layers of society. By the downfall of the Roman Empire, so vanished its disciplined military organization, which was replaced in Europe by immigrant armies.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |