Weapons In The Crusades

Next, weapons evolved throughout the process of the crusades. Just as the people developed armor throughout the medieval time period surrounding the crusades, knights began to use more effective and dangerous weapons in combat with their enemy. Two different types of weapons were used during the Crusades: close combat weapons such as swords, maces, spears, and poleaxes, but also long distance weapons such as long bows and crossbows. Blacksmiths softened iron and then shaped the metal into customized weights, lengths, widths, and also shape for both swords and spears. Bows would be used for long distance attack and could be used on foot or on horseback. During the Crusades, the archers with long bows would line up and fire over city walls
Often the type of sword or emblem on the handle represented a knight and publicized his importance to European people. Each handle would be customized by the knight so that the grip would feel safe and secure. Also, hand guards extending perpendicular to the actual blade protected knights in combat as they prevented other weapons from sliding down the sword in attempt to cut the hand. Often the metal handle of the sword would also be covered in either leather or cloth to soften the grip of a knight. A supplement to the sword would be a dagger, which was a miniature sword or large double edged knife. This weapon would be used in the loss of a sword or if combat was so close and crowded that swords were to hard to swing and maneuver. Finally, a sheath or scabbard was a casing for a large sword or knife that protected the weapon from injuring anyone while not in use. A belt would be worn by knights and the sheath would be attached in a downward position from the hip. It often consisted of a leather interior and decorative metal outside that was to dull to injure
Once chain mail and other materials began to protect warriors, maces were used to deliver strong blows that would damage the metal armor. Since it was nearly impossible for a knight to cut through the metal armor of enemies, maces were built as heavy weapons to dent and permanently damage armor. Used as a close combat weapon from land or horseback, the dangerous weapon consisted of a shaft, chain, and head. Often made of wood or metal, the shaft provided knights with a firm grip to hold onto the heavy weapon. A chain would attach the head to the shaft helping the knight gain momentum and impact on a swing. Made of many different materials, the heads of maces could deliver blows easily capable to kill on impact if directed towards the correct target. The weapons using either stone or metal heads supplied knights with dangerous weapons that became popular during the time of advancements to strong armor. To become skilled with the mace, which ranged from one foot to five feet, many would practice on a target and swing the mace at high speeds as close to the target as they could. Once the maces were ready for battle, knights would aim at chest and head armor in hopes to allow swords to kill the enemy if the mace did not already supply enough damage to the