Warfare in the Middle Ages, Essay Example

Military technology began in the Middle Ages with attempts to gain an advantage over opponents on the battle field. Warfare was a prevalent way of life for soldiers in Europe during the medieval period. Offensive weapons such as the spear, sword and crossbow with defensive weapons including mounting stirrups are a part of the ancient weapons considered a part of military technology. The technology artillery is also a part of Medieval warfare. The invention of gunpowder has a history rich in societal and intellectual acceptance of this technology. Fortification and construction of castles with earth, wood and stone are also considered a part of warfare technology.

The use of horses in the Middle Ages was instrumental in the development of how warfare was carried out. Mounted combat with the use of a lance from horseback was the tactic universally employed throughout western Europe (DeVires, 2003). This was not an easy skill to carry out and soldiers would train for years to be effective at this skill. Unlike movies which depict the use ease of mounted combat, the skill was actually one that was difficult to acquire. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, tournament jousting was useful in training and learning techniques for the battlefield. Throughout the centuries the methods changed and the lance was improved with armor and lance equipment restraints for a firmer hold by the soldier.

In the beginning soldiers would hold the lance horizontal and steady while on a horse. However, this was difficult to hold for a long period of time. The idea was for the soldier to be able to maintain a steady gallop while using the lance as a weapon. A well balanced rider could hold it in one hand and tuck the rear of the lance under the armpit. Through time it became evident that a more effective way to ensure the weight of the lance and the force of the blow did not unbalance the rider was to hold the point of the lance to the left of the horse’s head with the base secured tightly under the rider’s right armpit (DeVires, 2003).

A battle ax, developed in northern Europe, was also a popular weapon used during battle (Nichols, 2009). This tool had a distinct advantage for soldiers on foot against soldiers on horseback.  This weapon would be mounted on a long stick and by using both hands the ax could be swung around over the head to attack and dismantle the horseman; often killing him by the blow. This weapon was designed as a single or double ax, with crescent-shaped blades and could be hurled as a missile (Middle Ages, 2009). Some soldiers added a chain for a tighter and secure hold.

The Middle Ages historically is a time of extreme violence in battles. Foot soldiers used the battle axes for the tremendous force a blow could produce. The weapon could then be used for cutting the arms and legs of the enemy with one forceful stroke. This weapon was both considered a bludgeoning and a cutting weapon (Middle Ages, 2009).  The ax was made by blacksmiths using iron, steel, occasionally bronze and wooden handles.

Training to use a battle ax was required by foot soldiers and was instrumental in the life and death of the soldier. The soldier had to be strong and forceful to be able to master the skill and understand the strategy of warfare. Soldiers were taught to keep the edges sharp and ensure the weapons were in good condition before entering battle.

Many weapons designed with the technology of available materials in the Middle Ages have impacted the way warfare was conducted. The lance and battle ax influenced warfare in the Middle Ages by supplying methods for both foot soldiers and horse mounted soldiers for battle strategies. While movies depict medieval battles as somewhat crude and haphazard in planning and weapons, the truth remains soldiers trained on specific weapons for particular battles. Although the Middle Ages has a reputation for being backwards and hostile, the inventions created for warfare directly impacted the European people and how battles were fought.

References

DeVires, Kelly. Medievel Military Technology. (2003). Ontario: Broadview Press. Retrieved Febrary 23, 2010 from http://books.google.com/books?id=kyhRTSTY_IIC&dq=middle+ages+warfare+technology&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=tVaGS-ORK4ff8QaAy526Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=13&ved=0CDIQ6AEwDA#v=onepage&q=middle%20ages%20warfare%20technology&f=false

Middle Ages. “Battle Axes.” (2009). Web. Retrieved February 25, 2010 from http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/battle-axes.htm

Nichols, Patrick. “Weapons.” Life in the Middle Ages. (2009). Web. Retrieved February 25, 2010 from http://www.kyrene.k12.az.us/schools/Brisas/sunda/ma/1patrick.htm