Halberd, a medieval weapon, is like an axe on a stick. Halberd could cause a substantial amount of damage to both armored and unarmored opponents. It is made up of an axe blade with a spike at the top supported by a long shaft.
The weapon carries a hook on the back side with the axe blade intended to seize mounted warriors. It resembles the voulge in design and function. This medieval weapon was measured 5 to 6 feet long. The halberd was very economical to produce.
Makers of Halberd did not require a long time to produce.
Halberd History
Swiss Armies employed halberd as their major weapons. The mounted combatants that started to overtake the battlefields in the 14th and 15th centuries demanded a response. Because of this demand, the halberd was first brought out onto the field. This medieval weapon, which was used in warfare, was equipped by low-ranking officers in the European infantry units and used as a ceremonial weapon of the Swiss Guard in the Vatican. It remained a military weapon until the 16th century. However, the 18th-century halberd had become simply a symbol of rank with no sharpened edge.
Types and Uses of Halberd
Halberds were useful for one on one and proved effective for medium-distance fighting. The weapon was useful against knights wearing plate armor and for reducing the effectiveness of the shield. The Chinese halberd, called the ji is used as a combatant weapon during the Shang and Qing Dynasties. It is still used as training purpose by Chinese Martial Arts. The only drawback with using this particular martial arts weapon is that the length of the halberd makes it difficult to manage.
Halberd Training Method
The training method was directed towards fighting shielded warriors on horseback. Apprentice knights were taught to swing, strike and take down their enemies by effective use of the hook or thorn.
Medieval Weapons - Facts and Information
Halberd is one of the type of weapons that was used by feudal armies during the Middle Ages. All men in The Middle Ages were expected to know how to fight. They were expected to be readily available when called to fight for the king. Their lives were organized and structured to have military training incorporated in their daily lives.
Expertise in the use of medieval weapon such as Halberd and understanding the strategy of Middle Age warfare was crucial and played an important part in Medieval Life. Halberd training include practicing new moves, accuracy, defending, and managing battles including close contact fights using Halberd .