Battle AxesA weapon used in the Middle Ages ( Medieval period ) by a Foot Soldiers and occasionally knights Description of Battle Axes
The weapons used during the Middle Ages include the Battle Axes. The description of the Battle Axes which provides basic facts and information about the weapon is as follows: Battle Axes - These weapons were designed as single and double-handed battle axes Used as a close contact weapon in the early Medieval period of the Middle Ages It could be hurled as a missile The Battle Axes weapon could be mounted on either a long shaft, measuring up to 5ft or a short shaft measuring 1ft Most European battle axes used during the Middle Ages had broad, socketed heads enabling the axe head and the haft to fit together as opposed to the axes used by the Vikings which were often just lashed together The axes had a crescent-shaped blade which measured about 25 cm (10 inches) between the upper and lower points of its broad cutting edge A blow could apply tremendous force The axe struck with force could apply significant injury to a knight in armor The weapon was primarily used as a cutting weapon and capable of cutting off the limbs of an enemy in one stroke Type or group of weapons - Bludgeoning and Cutting Weapon
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 Battle Axes 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 Battle Axes 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. Battle Axes 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. 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 Soldiers to use the Battle Axes : Training method - The training method practised in the use of the Warhammer was based on strength and accuracy in hitting the target A "hit" was scored in Medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area or in the accuracy when hurling the battle axe at a practise target
The Makers and Making of the Battle Axes
This Medieval weapon blade was made by a blacksmith. The materials required to make this weapon were: Iron Steel Occasionally bronze Wooden handles
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. The maintenance of the Battle Axes Medieval Weapon
The general maintenance of the Battle Axes was the responsibility of the soldier to keep the cutting edge sharp and in good condition. Battle Axes
Each section of Middle Ages Weapons provides interesting facts and information about Medieval warfare in addition to the Battle Axes. 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!
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