Medieval Glossary

Spear

A polearm with a light wood haft of five feet with an iron head of approximately twelve inches on top. The spear originally was used by both cavalry and infantry until cavalry developed the lance. It was the most popular offensive armament and could be used as either a melee or ranged weapon.

Related term(s): Polearm; Haft; Partizan; Angon; Melee Weapon; Ranged Weapon
Category: Weapons
Added: 01.01.05
Last modified: 02.09.05
Source information: DeVries, Kelly Robert. Medieval Military Technology. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press, 1992. 13,20; Wise, Terrence. Medieval Warfare. New York: Hastings House Publishers, Inc., 1976. 81.

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