Many of us think of the sword like the main weapon of the medieval knight. Many movies depicting and even some documentaries but is it the reality ?

You guessed it hollywood and television series got it all wrong. Historically talking the sword was only the main weapon during the copper and early bronze age (when we began to use metal).

The sword was the symbolism of elitism and many rich man used a sword to show that they were important in society, it was a status symbol. Many bought and worn swords without knowing how to use them effectively.

During the late bronze age the main weapon of the soldier rich or poor was the spear or the lance and it continued later for most part of history (some exceptions like with the romans which threw they spears before getting to close combat with their galdius or spatha). However in ancient times most of the kingdoms and Polis used spears for their soldiers. Macedonians, Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, even the celts and their art of forging iron.

So lets go the medieval part. Spears were most of the time prefered due to their range and their utility in grouped and in formation fight. Moreover it was really difficult to pierce armor with a sword.

Maces, Axes and Spears were the main weapons of the medieval knight the swords were only a secondary weapon. Like the desert eagle of the knight. It was used if your spear or axe broke or if by hazard you got very close to your opponent which was rare.

For rich knights (mounted knights) the sword was important because after the charges lances broke easily and you had to continue fighting with the sword. However after charges they often retreated and came back with other lances.

Despite all of this the Sword was used a the symbol of power and wealthy men, because swords have always been luxurious items.

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https://i.redd.it/fmgmbbidupd31.jpg

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https://i.redd.it/979e0uceupd31.jpg

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Even king's bodyguards used lances

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Charles the fifth which was the most powerful european emperor in history did even pictured himself with the spear/lance as the main weapon of war

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Even at azincourt we can see that 90% of the soldiers used spears and knights lances. The sword was then used by knights in close combat after losing or breaking their lances.