Medieval Sword Brass Handle

During the High Middle Ages -from the 5th to the 10th century- there was a period of migrations during which changes were experienced in the type of swords wielded by soldiers in Europe. Although it is true that, since the late Roman Empire, the spatha predominated, during this era we classified two types of swords: the Vikings -or Carolingian- and the Templars, which we will see below. We will also talk about one of the best known swords in history: the Cid sword. 

The Middle Ages began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476) and lasted for a millennium, until the fall of Constantinople (1453) -or the discovery of America (1492), depending on the sources-. During this time, the armament industry lives a period of constant evolution, due to the ongoing wars that mark these thousand years. 

During this time, the sword takes center stage among the other weapons. Not only for its usefulness, but for the symbolism it acquires. Firstly, because it was the quintessential knightly weapon. In addition, some were attributed almost magical properties, with the inclusion of relics in the recesses of the knobs or religious invocations on the blades and hilts with the intention of obtaining divine protection. 

From the 11th century, swords began to incorporate the cross, which was maintained during the Crusades -12th and 13th centuries-. A very characteristic example that can help us determine the class of swords of the Middle Ages is the Gothic sword in the permanent collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Spain, measuring almost 40 inches long and weighing more than 1.3 kg, with a bronze handle and an iron sheet.

Generally, medieval swords did not undergo much change in this period, especially between the 12th and 14th centuries. These swords were designed for thrusting. They were used practically like a truncheon until the opponent was knocked down and, once he was on the ground, he dived to deliver the mortal blow.