List of premodern combat weapons

Ming Dynasty eruptor proto-cannon

List of Premodern Combat Weapons

This article provides an overview of the various weapons used in premodern combat. Premodern combat weapons are those used before the widespread adoption of gunpowder weapons in warfare. These weapons played a crucial role in the military strategies and outcomes of battles throughout ancient and medieval history. The list is categorized based on the type of weapon and includes bladed weapons, projectile weapons, pole weapons, and siege weapons.

Bladed Weapons

Bladed weapons are among the oldest tools used by humans for combat. They primarily function through sharp edges designed to cut, slash, or stab.

• Sword: A long-edged weapon used in different cultures worldwide, with variations in design like the longsword, katana, and scimitar.
• Dagger: A short stabbing weapon with a pointed and edged blade.
• Axe: A tool that doubles as a weapon, with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle. Variants include the battle axe and the francisca.
• Spear: A pole weapon with a sharp point, either used for thrusting or throwing. Notable types include the pike and the javelin.

Projectile Weapons

Projectile weapons allow the user to attack targets at a distance by launching projectiles.

• Bow and arrow: A flexible arc with a string connecting the two ends, used to launch arrows. Variants include the longbow, composite bow, and crossbow.
• Sling: A simple ancient weapon used to hurl stones or projectiles with great force.
• Javelin: A light spear designed primarily for being thrown as a ranged weapon.

Pole Weapons

Pole weapons consist of a long shaft with a sharp point or blade at one end, combining the reach of a projectile weapon with the cutting or thrusting capability of a bladed weapon.

• Pike: A very long thrusting spear used extensively by infantry for combat formations.
• Halberd: A two-handed pole weapon with a combination of spear-tip, axe blade, and hook.
• Glaive: A polearm with a single-edged blade on the end of a pole, similar to a large knife or short sword mounted on a long shaft.

Siege Weapons

Siege weapons were designed to break through fortifications or defend against such attacks during sieges.

• Catapult: A device used to hurl large stones or other projectiles over a distance. Types include the trebuchet and mangonel.
• Ballista: An ancient missile weapon that launched a large projectile at a distant target.
• Battering ram: A heavy, often log-based, weapon used to break through doors and fortifications.

See Also

• Military history
• Weaponry in the Middle Ages
• Ancient warfare