The Medieval Age has been affected by numerous violent confrontations, with both secular and religious stakes. The conflicts having as goal the conquest of a neighboring town, village or castle were rather frequent. Often, simple discussions between feudal owners would result in local wars with multiple victims and a disaster in the affected areas. Furthermore, the Medieval period was also the era of the Crusades to the Holy Land. To protect themselves in a period when conflicts ruled the world and to be able to fight back the enemies attacking their lands, the landlords needed to invest in large armies formed of skilled warriors.

The knights were the most sought after warriors. Apart from their superior position during warfare (knights fought only mounted on their horses), the knights were also the only ones who could partially or totally afford the expenses associated with training and war participation (horses and equipment). Quality equipment meant more chances to win a fight, which is what most landlords were looking for.

The Sword

While there were plenty of options for medieval weapons, by far the most popular choice was the sword. The sword of a knight was double edged and was made of low carbon steel. It usually featured a crossguard, pommel and hilt, which bore different inscriptions, according to the soldier’s wealth and social status. The knights’ favorite inscriptions were their names or certain verses (usually prayers). Gems and precious metals were used for the extremely wealthy knights.

Five models of swords have dominated the medieval period:

• the Broadsword (the earliest medieval sword, measuring 30 – 45 inches long),
• The Falchion Sword (short and heavy, with one edge),
• The Greatsword (50 – 72 inches long, with a handle of 18 – 20 inches long – it is the greatest medieval sword),
• The Longsword (44 – 50 inches long) and
• The Scimitar (featuring a curved end blade and sharp point, mainly used by crusaders).

The sword surpassed its status of weapon and became knights’ emblem. The more elaborate the carvings and inscriptions were, the wealthier the knight was thought to be. On the top of the hierarchy was the king, whose sword had golden hilt and was decorated with numerous gems. The two most famous swords in the Medieval history are Excalibur – King Arthur’s mythical sword which it has been said to have magical powers- and Joyeuse – Charlemagne’s sword. A copy of this latter sword (some even claim it is the original) can be admired at the Louvre Museum.

Knights were also highly skilled in fighting with the lance. Due to its long handle, the lance favored mounted warriors. One knight using a lance could have killed hundreds of pedestrians. The only ones out of the reach of knights were the archers, who were not involved in corporal fights.

Each knight had a dagger hidden somewhere in his armor, so that he will never remain without a weapon in a fight. The dagger was only taken off in dangerous situations, when there was no other way to defeat the enemy.

The social rank of a knight was built on their war success, so they took pride in their weaponry as well as in their outfit. A knight would never be seen without his sword, so if you are planning in reenacting a medieval scene with knights or you want to dress up as a knight for Halloween, make sure you have your sword and/or lance with you. It will give you a more realistic look and will have damsels asking you to go on heroic quests.

• Find a medieval sword for Halloween now

• Look for a REAL replica medieval sword

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