Medieval Weapons

Like their Greek neighbors, Spartan warriors used typical hoplite equipment in battle. The main distinguishing characteristics of Spartan armor are the crimson tunic and cloak. Spartan warriors also kept their hair long much later into history than other Greek city-state warriors; short hair was associated with slaves.

The Greek letter Lambda was also adopted in 420s BCE. It is thought to stand for Laconia or Lacedaemon, and was painted on the round shields of the Spartan warriors. The Spartan helmet is also instantly recognizable and still used as a symbol for many sports teams and universities. Spartan soldiers also wore leg greaves and flanged bronze cuirasses.

Imaginations have been stimulated for years by the Arthurian legend—a young boy who removed a beautiful sword from a stone and became a magical king.  Numerous novels and poetry have been penned about this exciting story.  Some of the most well know writings are LeMorte de Arthur, The Once and Future King, and The Idyls of the King.

In the present day many movies have been presented about the legend.  Some of the most recent are First Knight, The Mists of Avalon and perhaps the most well known movie of all, Camelot.  There are many more movies based on this legend spanning back many years.

What is so inspirational about this early myth?  Is it perhaps the belief that there is something bigger and better than our present situation?  Or does the myth continue to inspire because the story is magical for everyone?  The history includes an honorable leader, a beautiful queen, a magical right hand man and a cabinet of fearless knights.

Merlin, Arthur’s advisor, mentor and Vice President coached him so well that he was so advanced that he could pull a magical sword from a heavy stone.  Merlin naturally became King Arthur’s major advisor because the magician made Arthur the King.  As his closest advisor, Merlin was capable of turning anyone who disagreed with his King into a frog or even worse–a slimy snake.  With Excalibur, Merlin and his band of mighty knights or generals, Arthur could defeat any enemy.

Eventually all good things come to an end.  Camelot fell due to corruption from within.  Arthur was defeated and the kingdom disintegrated.  Although Arthur died and the perfect nation was no more,  lore instills the hope that Arthur will someday return. 

I certainly would like to live under Arthur’s leadership.  If I hear of an individual that pulls a sword from a stone,  it would get my attention. I do not think that will ever happen, but if I became aware of any leader who put his nation’s interest above his own political ambitions that act alone will be about as close to Arhur’s leadership as we will ever get.

Many people realize that armor can be understood as any kind of protective covering used in times of combat and that its main purpose is to prevent any injury from various weapons. And armor has most certainly evolved over the years. Made from a variety of materials, armor can range from many different kinds of metal to leather. Spanning a wide range of pieces as well, armor pieces can include everything from helmets to gauntlets to knee plates.

When people think of armor, however, medieval armor is certainly one of the most well known and iconic varieties. Full suits of armor are prone to fill many castles in real life (and in the movies,) and these can often be classified under the umbrella of medieval armor. There is also a school of thought that says firearms can be attributed to the introduction of more advanced pieces of armor. Guns and various firearms had to be developed in order to get through the increasingly tough and successful armor of people’s various enemies.

In 2007, the film ‘300’, based on Frank Miller’s series of graphic novels about the battle of Thermopylae, was received with wide acclaim from fans of action movies.  The cinematography of 300 was what set it apart as a unique film, however, it also true that the film was based on actual events as described by Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian.  Though some of the fight and action sequences were exaggerated (it’s an action film after all), several historians agree that the director, Zack Snyder, captured the essence of Spartan society.  The entire film sparked controversy when it was said to be historically accurate, but when thinking of the film more as entertainment with historical influence, it’s much better tolerated. 

300 also created a media frenzy, and fostered interest from millions about ancient Greek society and the Spartans.  The sale of paraphernalia such as Spartan helmets, spears, and shields increased dramatically with the release of the movie.

A buckler is a small battle shield.  It originated in France and the word is taken from the old French word, “boucle,” which translates as “fist of metal.”  This is a very appropriate description of this little weapon that is capable of so much.  The “little shield that could ” is often called a boss in English-speaking countries.

Pictures of ancient armies very often show the attackers holding a small shield.  The Spartans  did not use a full size shield. Historical pictures show the Roman army with boss shields that allow flexibility in using a sword. Roman gladiators often used a small shield for protection. The Saracens obviously used this economical shield in hand-to-hand combat during the crusades.  

The use of the buckler is very well understood as it is the most versatile of any weapon.  Often the buckler was equipped with a spike in the center which served as a stabbing weapon.  It could also deflect thrusts and blows from the opponent’s sword.  Protection for the sword hand is vital in a hand-to-hand combat situation; the little shield is effective in this role.  The “boss” was also used as a metal boxing glove.  The face of the shield or the rim could break a jaw or ribs.

The buckler is often used today in European martial arts to deflect blows from the longsword.  It is also an economical alternative to the larger shield if you are considering joining the fight or attending a Faire.

The early medieval army was composed of about one-third mounted knights, a few professional soldiers, and the rest were peasants who were conscripted for the battle.  The soldiers wore whatever they had available; most were clothed in a leather jerkin with iron rings.  They carried a battle shield for better protection.

At the beginning of the Thirteenth Century, armor became more advanced.  Knights could not armor themselves,because the armor was so cumberson.  The squires and pages lifted and placed the various pieces of mail on their master.  The typical knight wore steel-mail hose on his legs.  On his upper body the first layer of clothing to protect from the steel hauberk was made from felted hair or quilted cotton.  That particular garment is now referred to as a gambeson.  The next upper body mail article was the riveted steel hauberk, and it often extended to mid thigh or below his knees.  This armor could weigh between 19 to 60 pounds, dependent upon the amount of money the knight could give the craftsman.  The lighter pieces naturally were more expensive.  The hauberk was subject to rust, so a game was devised to rid the corrosion from the article.  Sand and vinegar were placed in a bag with the chainmail and it was tossed back and forth between the soldiers. This protection was insufficient to protect from the sword, lance, flail, mace and axe.  Later in the century a chainmail coif was developed to protect the head. 

For today’s reenactor there are numerous pieces of replica chainmail.  Riveted, butted, and aluminium chainmail is available, depending on your role in the reenactment event.  Riveted is the most desirable for battle knights and soldiers.  Butted will sometimes suffice if it is from a reputable manufacturer.  For the costumer aluminum and butted light stainless steel are very realistic appearing and economical.  Make your choice and join the battle or at least the festivities.

A cuirass is a piece of medieval armor, formed of a single piece of metal or leather. The term is sometimes understood to refer to complete body armor, including breastplate and back plates, but during the Middle Ages referred to a breastplate only. Elizabeth I of England often wore one.

During the 14th century, the cuirass came into general use, usually resting on the hips so as not to impede the wearer’s ability to move, and often worn covered. Over the next few centuries, the cuirass evolved to feature different shapes, ridges, and formations. The use of the cuirass never ceased completely, and some more modern armies have utilized body armor of the medieval chivalry era. French and German heavy cavalry were still issued the cuirass as standard combat gear leading up to World War I. In the early part of that conflict, the French and German armies painted their cuirasses black, wearing canvas protection to cover the neo-Roman style helmets. Today, a leather cuirass could substitute for a metal one in live-action reenactments of historical battles.