List of premodern combat weapons

Contents

This is a list of historical weapons, divided into categories of melee weapons and ranged weapons. They are further subdivided by weapon type and then ordered alphabetically. Although primarily consisting of cold weapons, early gunpowder weapons are also included.

Weapons are grouped according to their uses, with rough classes set aside for very similar weapons. Some weapons may fit more than one category (e.g. the spear may be used either as a pole weapon or as a projectile). Bladed hilt weapons follow Col. D.H. Gordon's classification where applicable.[1][2]

Melee weapons

Hand or fist weapons and fans

Single-handed weapons not resembling a straight dagger blade. Usually wielded without wrist action. Often protects the forearm.

Bladed

Thrusting and slicing weapons for close quarters melee.

Shortswords

Delineated as 20-28 inches/51–71 cm total length.[1]

Straight shortswords
Curved shortswords

Swords

Further information: Types of swords

Long swords were classified by Col. Gordon as longer than 28 inches/71 cm.[1]

Curved one-handed swords
Straight one-handed swords
Curved two-handed swords
Hand-and-a-half and two-handed greatswords
Axe-like swords

Generally concave blades with the sharpened edge running the length of the non-handle part. Used for heavy, chopping motions.

Other swords

Knives and daggers

Further information: List of daggers
Axe knives

Generally short, concave blades with the sharpened edge running the length of the non-handle part. Used for heavy chopping motions.

Picks and pickaxes

Axes

Trauma weapons (clubs)

Wielded with one or two hands at close quarters with swinging motions.

Pole weapons

Wielded mainly with two hands. Primarily for melee with sweeping, thrusting, and/or hooking motions.

Blunt staffs

Spears

Further information: List of types of spears#Spears which are usually used in melee combat

Thrown spears and javelins are listed under ranged weapons.

Polearms with axe-like blades

Polearms with spikes and hammers

Ranged weapons

Thrown

Spears and javelins

Further information: List of types of spears#Spears which are usually thrown

All could be used as polearm spears, but were designed and primarily used for throwing.

Throwing sticks

Throwing blades and darts

Throwing axes

Could also be used as axe weapons, but were specifically designed for throwing.

Bows

Longbows

Recurved bows

Short bows and reflex bows

Crossbows

Other

Gunpowder weapons

Composite projectile weapons

Having a built-in gun or ranged weapon combined with some other type of weapon.

Flexibles

Used with whipping or swinging motions. Sometimes attached to another type of weapon.

Sectional or composite

Having multiple handles or holdable sections.

Chain weapons

Having a heavy object attached to a flexible chain. Wielded by swinging, throwing, or projecting the end, as well as wrapping, striking, and blocking with the chain.

Shields

Used not only to block strikes and missiles but also swung outwardly (or in quick upward motions) to strike an opponent. Also used to rush an opponent (known as shield bashing). Some shields had spikes, sharp edges, or other offensive designs.

References

  1. ^ a b c Cope, Anne, ed (1989). Swords and Hilt Weapons. New York: Weidenfeld & Nicolson. pp. 8. ISBN 1555842909. 
  2. ^ Gordon, Col. D.H. (1953). "Swords, Rapiers and Horse-riders". Antiquity (Antiquity Publications Ltd) 27 (106): 67–76. http://antiquity.ac.uk/ant/027/Ant0270067.htm. 
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Regan,Paula, ed (2006). Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor. New York: DK Publishing. ISBN 0756622107. 
  4. ^ Levine, Bernard; Gerald Weland. Knives, Swords, & Daggers. New York: Barnes & Noble. pp. 66. 
  5. ^ Levine, Bernard; Gerald Weland. Knives, Swords, & Daggers. New York: Barnes & Noble. pp. 200. 

See also