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Medieval weaponry
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Medieval weaponry
Spears of the Franks, 168, 169, crossbow 170, arrow 171, flails or chain maces 172-174, hatchet 175, and Morgenstern (morning star) or spiked club 176. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Robert von Spalarts Historical Picture of the Costumes of the Principal People of Antiquity and of the Middle Ages, Chez Collignon, Metz, 1810
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Media ID 23203930
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Arrow Chain Crossbow Flail Franks Halberd Hatchet Lance Mace Morning Principal Spalart Spears Spiked Weaponry
EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcoloured copperplate engraving, titled "Spears of the Franks" from Robert von Spalart's Historical Picture of the Costumes of the Principal People of Antiquity and of the Middle Ages, showcases an impressive array of medieval weaponry. The image features various weapons used by the Franks, an early medieval Germanic people, during the late 5th to the 9th centuries. At the center of the print, three Frankish warriors are depicted wielding spears or lances (168, 169), which were the primary infantry weapons of the time. The spears were often tipped with iron or steel points and were used for thrusting attacks against opponents in close combat. To the left of the warriors, a crossbow (170) with a drawn string is shown. Crossbows were more complex and expensive weapons compared to traditional bows and were used primarily by the nobility and professional soldiers. The arrow (171) next to the crossbow is likely intended to be a representation of the projectile used with the weapon. The lower half of the print displays various melee weapons. A flail or chain mace (172-174) is depicted, consisting of a heavy head attached to a chain or handle. These weapons were used for both offensive and defensive purposes, with the chain allowing for greater reach and the head delivering devastating blows. A hatchet (175) with a sharp, curved edge is also shown, which was used for chopping through wooden shields or limbs in battle. Lastly, a Morgenstern or morning star (176) is displayed, a spiked club with a heavy, flattened head designed to deliver crushing blows. These weapons were particularly effective against armoured opponents and were commonly used in close combat situations. The intricate details and precise execution of this engraving provide a fascinating glimpse into the medieval weaponry used by the Franks and other European warriors during this period.
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