answersLogoWhite

0

the sword was, in many ways, not the main weapon of warfare - in the viking era and earlier, it was a weapon of the highest nobility, who were rich enough to afford one. in the later medieval period, although much more common, it was usually carried as a secondary, back-up weapon - the spear, or polearm was a far more common weapon - it takes a lot less practice to use well, and keeps the enemy far away, at the end of a pointy stick, rather than up close.

However, the sword was used in personal combat, and when forces were too close to use the long, bulkier polearms.

Many techniques were developed for use of the sword in the most effective manner, and were taught throughout Europe. the masters who taught sometimes produced books of their method, given to their pupils as reminders. Many of these have survived, the oldest surviving one is called i.33 Walpurgis, and was written somewhere around 1305 in Germany, and it clearly demonstrates methods of defending yourself and attacking the enemy which were already highly developed by that date.

The entire technique is very different to the aimless hacking and bashing seen in films, being comprised of fast movements of the feet to close the distance, and turning of the blade to deflect an enemy's attack without damaging your own sword. Similar techniques of footwork, defence and attack are to be seen in hundreds of surviving fighting manuals from the medieval era and renaissance, some of which teach techniques for countering armour, some of which show techniques for unarmoured civillians. All, however, show advanced and athletic Martial Arts which use the sword for lightning-fast strikes and accurate, controlled fighting.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What weapon is a claymore?

A claymore is a sword which is a variant of a medieval late longsword. This sword was not only used as a battlefield weapon but also as a gravemarker when a claymore dies. It is used in both medieval and early modern periods.


Which sword is better 'roman sword or medieval sword?

Medieval swords were much longer and used for slashing. The Roman infantry swords were shorter, and although Roman cavalry used a longer sword, they were still shorter than Medieval swords. The Roman sword was intended primarily for stabbing. It may be impossible to say which was better. In Medieval times armies were smaller than in Roman times because no one could afford to maintain the huge standing armies which once made the Roman sword so effective in battle. I think that each was the right sword for its time.


Who made a medieval sword?

■Blacksmiths


Who was the medieval sword holder?

squire


Is a bastard sword a real sword?

That depends on the sword model. The bastard sword (long sword, one and a half sword) is classical sword from medieval times. Medeival warriors used one handed sword usually with shield or more effective bastard sword. Bastard swords offered higher penetration and it was also more effective against mounted knights. ............................................................. The longsword which is also known as a bastard sword (further modified into a claymore sword) was a medieval weapon. They were a real sword used by warriors on the battlefield but in modern times due to increase in development, replica swords are also being made.


What is a medieval sword frog?

A frog is the attachment to hold the sword scabbard to the belt.


Did a medieval lord ever have a sword?

of course.


Can a sword cut through medieval armor?

A heavy sword could cut through light armor if it was skillfully used. Glancing blows, light swords, or heavy armor made the sword fairly useless.


What are 2 types of medieval armor?

A shield and sword


How long was a medieval long sword?

5 ft


What does the medieval targe do?

A targe was a specific type of shield - small and always round. It was only used by certain peoples at specific time periods and was not in general use in the medieval period.In the late medieval period and the post-medieval era it was usually associated with the Scots Highlanders, who used it in combination with a sword known as a claymore.


How many pounds does a medieval sword weigh?

About 50 pounds