While medieval military technology spans a wide range of weaponry, some of the most well known and important devices include ranged weapons such as longbows, crossbows, and pole arms such as halberds and pikes.
Crossbows had been used by the Chinese long before medieval times; however, they were not designed to penetrate thicker armor such as that increasingly used by the Europeans. Unlike a traditional bow, the crossbow can be held in a drawn position using various triggers and mechanisms. This was advantageous in that the weapon did not require as much effort to fire, allowing more focus on aim. However, it took time to load and fire, and it was not as accurate as a traditional bow.
Longbows differ from a traditional bow in their length (hence the name). They were often as tall as the user. The longbow was able to be fired more quickly and accurately than the crossbow, but it required a high level of both strength and skill from the user.
The halberd was specifically designed for fighting men in suits of armor. It consisted of a long shaft with an ax blade and a hook on the back to combat men on horseback. The pike was an even longer pole weapon with a metal spear on the end intended for use by infantry. It required troops to be organized into specific formations in order to be effective. Close combat was avoided in these situations, as it would put troops at a disadvantage.
http://www.medievalwarfare.info/
https://www.britannica.com/technology/military-technology/The-infantry-revolution-c-1200-1500
Monday, May 28, 2012
What are some examples of medieval military technology?
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