Medieval weapons started with a basic club and has evolved for centuries. As the need for better protection came apparent, so did the need for better weaponry. The most significant advancements in weapons was (and still is today) during times of war.

The first major breakthrough in medieval weapons was the crossbow. A finely tuned and complex crossbow could launch an arrow at unheard of speeds and force. In medieval times this was the modern day version of a sniper rifle. It was fast and silent and ten times more deadly than a standard bow and arrow. The barbarian club eventually evolved to the mace or flail and even though its simplistic design did not fall far from its club counterpart, the damage done by a medieval mace was immense. If death did not come from the strike of a mace, you would have wished it did. The shear destruction from the strike of a mace would leave disfiguring scars, torn flesh and shattered bones. The biggest breakthrough for medieval weapons was the creation of the sword. Even today, many enthusiasts deem the sword a symbol of courage and prestige and a natural part of our history. The first swords were made from crude bits of copper and bronze and they were not sharp. In the Middle Ages, medieval swords were sharpened and the introduction of steel made these weapons a perfect killing instrument. As time passed, so did the evolution of the sword. New materials were used to make the blades sharper and jewels were added to the hilt for personal flair or honor.

The best concept ever created by sword makers was the blood groove down the blades. In battle, swords plunged into another man’s flesh would create a vacuum around the blade that would make it almost impossible to remove. In melee battle, this was a hinderance and could cost someone their life if they were not able to recover their sword fast enough for the next attack. By adding the blood grove to the blades, warriors were able to quickly retreive their broadswords and prepare themselves for the next opponent.

Medieval weapons have come a long way since the Middle Ages but we have probably yet to see what’s in store for the future. Regardless, medieval swords and weaponry are classic and perfect for display, re-enactment or stage use and can be seen all across the world at Renaissance Faires and conventions alike.

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