Medieval Weapons and the Middle Ages

Penelope Clearwater
Weapons of the Middle Ages were vital in the the Middle Ages Many new weapons were developed during this time out of necessity. There was much fighting over limited resources - power and money. What is the quickest way to wealth and power, why to take it from someone else that already has it! The amount of war and fighting over land and power was quite staggering. Castles were erected to be bases of power and to protect the people, not for any altruistic sense, but because people pay taxes and do work. People were prepared for war at all times, as skirmishes or full out wars and battles were not infrequent.
Knights, foot soldiers and archers all had different weapons they used. Also the weapons changed as the armor changed as well. Swords that were used in the beginning had to change when chain mail came into use. The Crusades took place in these times and medieval weapons were used all over the Holy Lands. The Knights Templar, Teutonic Knights and Hospitallers fought in the Holy Lands with the blessing of their lords and kings.
The classes of weapons used by the foot soldiers and knights were very different, due to their different needs as knights were on horseback. Not everyone got the latest weapon developed, as it all depended on their status and position in the Feudal System. Being a knight was a very expensive job. The weapons, armor for knight and horse and the horse were very costly. All Lords were required to provide soldiers and knights for the kings use. Knights were in turn supported by their soldiers.
The variety of medieval weapons used during these times includes polearms, battle axes, maces, billhook, caltrop, flail, halberd, longbow, bow, crossbow, pike, poleaxe, quarterstaff, spear, warhammer, baton and scimitar. Knights did not use those weapons however, as they needed long swords or lances that could be used to reach their enemy while on horseback. Their weapons consisted of the lance, sheilds and swords such as the broadsword, falchion, greatsword and longsword.
The large variety of medieval weapons in the middle ages was due to the Feudal System. Everyone owed allegiance to the king and immediate superior. Everyone was expected to pay the kingdom by providing trained soldiers for the king, and providing clothes and weapons for the soldiers. No one was exempt from fighting, as every man was required to have fighting knowledge of at least one weapon. When there was a Call To Arms, all men were required to fight for at least 40 days, and in some circumstances it would be increased to 90 days.
About the author: More detailed information on medieval weapons can be found at http://medievalweapons1.blogspot.com/