Halberd Halberd Interesting Facts and information about Medieval Halberd used in warfare during the Middle Ages

Description of the Halberd

Halberd training

The Makers and Making of the Halberd

The maintenance of the Halberd Medieval Weapon Halberd A weapon used in the Middle Ages ( Medieval period ) by a Foot Soldiers Middle Ages Weapons Middle Ages Index Description of Halberd

The weapons used during the Middle Ages include the Halberd. The description of the Halberd which provides basic facts and information about the weapon is as follows: Halberd - A pike fitted with an axe head. This weapon had a broad, short axe blade on a 6 foot pole with a spear point at the top with a back spike

This lethal weapon of the Middle Ages always had a hook or thorn on the back side of the axe blade for grappling enemies on horseback

Definition - The word 'halberd' is derived from the German words halm ( meaning staff), and barte (meaning axe).

Used as a versatile weapon against knights on horseback. The weapon was constantly developed and refined to include metal rims over the shaft making it more effective against swords. The pole increased in length to become more effective against pikes

Halberds were used for close contact and medium distance fighting - the length of the poles determining the weapon type

The weapon struck with force could apply significant injury to a knight in armor

The hook or thorn was used for grappling the target's armor or the reins of a warhorse

The weapon was used as a grappling or cutting weapon and capable of cutting off the limbs of an enemy in one stroke

Halberds were particularly effective against knights wearing plate armor and for reducing the effectiveness of the shield

The axe head could apply significant injury to a knight in armor, or a knights horse. Horse armor was developed to counteract such injuries but the sheer force applied from a long pole was extremely effective against horses. The Medieval horse, called a Destrier was the favored horses of knights in the Middle Ages

Soldiers who used halberds were also armed with a dagger and a sword to enable them to battle enemies who had been unhorsed. This weapon was far too unwieldy to use in close combat

Type or group of weapons - Polearm - A group of pole-mounted weapons. Were all variations of poles measuring between 4 and 14 feet long with different 'heads' - spikes, hammers, spears, axe etc The Middle Ages was an extremely violent era in history featuring battles in both Europe and the Holy Land when the crusades, and the crusaders who fought them, were numerous. Feudal Lords and Knights used such weapons as the Halberd in different types of warfare. The quest for power led to invasions of lands and territories which had to be fought for. Siege warfare, waged to win a castle or a walled town or city, was a frequent occurrence during the Middle Ages. Warfare during the Middle Ages, or Medieval era called for a variety of weapon expertise. Knights and men-at-arms ( foot soldiers, or archers ) used different types of weapons. The Halberd was predominantly used by a Foot Soldiers. The weapons used were dictated according to status and position. The weapons, armor and horse of the Knight were extremely expensive - the fighting power of just one knight was worth 10 ordinary soldiers. Halberd Training

Skill in the use of Medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in Medieval life. The training required by a Foot Soldier, or infantry to use the Halberd : Training method - The training methods practised in the use of the Halberd were directed towards fighting armored knights on horseback

Soldiers were trained in various manoeuvres to Strike, Swing, Cleave and Takedown their enemies by effective use of the hook or thorn

Training method - The training method practised in the use of the halberd was based on strength, agility and accuracy in hitting the target

A "hit" was scored in Medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area The Makers and Making of the Halberd

This Medieval weapon was made by a blacksmith. This weapon was cheap and easy to produce. The materials required to make this weapon were: Iron

Steel Langets were added to strengthen this type of weapon. These were metal strips riveted to the the shaft of polearms to reinforce the torque against the head, and to provide protection to the potentially weak point between the weapon-head and the shaft. Blacksmiths are usually associated with making weapons in a village smithy but blacksmiths were an important part of a fighting army, making new weapons and repairing and the maintenance of old weapons. Halberd

Each section of Middle Ages Weapons provides interesting facts and information about Medieval warfare in addition to the Halberd. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of the Medieval period of the Middle Ages! Halberd Middle Ages era, period, life, age and times

Middle Ages Castles, Knights, Crusaders, Crusaders and Weapons

Interesting Facts and information about Medieval Halberd used in warfare during the Middle Ages

Description of the Halberd

Weapon Training methods

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