Interesting facts about medieval swords

Across the world, you can find innumerable people who are fascinated by antique products. Such people go to great lengths to acquire antique products, in the process spending a lot of their resources in the hopes of finding a collectors item. One such collectors item is medieval swords, it's perennially on the wish list of every art connoisseur the world over. The medieval age was the time when swords were the weapon of choice for every army of every empire. Owing to this widespread usage, the design of medieval swords also varied a lot, with some armies using swords that were specifically made longer for better reach during combat while some armies using wider swords, enabling more maneuverability.


There are innumerable facts like the aforementioned, some true while some are probably the stuff of legends. Let's have a look at some facts about medieval swords.

Different types of swords used in the medieval period

Different types of swords that were used in the medieval period are as follows :-

• Broadsword – This was probably one of the earliest of swords used, with the usage timeline being in the 6th century. The distinguishing feature of these is their two edged blade generally measuring 2-3 inches wide at the base. These swords ranged from 30 inches to 45 inches in length, with the weight ranging from 3 to 5 pounds.
• Greatsword – These swords were very large two handed swords. Their length ranged from 50 to 72 inches. Moreover, these had a handle whose length was an additional 18-21 inches. The weight of this sword was between 6 -10 pounds.
• Longsword – Sometimes also referred to as hand and a half sword, the length of this sword generally ranged from 44 to 50 inches.
• Scimitar – The distinguishing feature of the scimitar was that it had a distinctive curved blade which ended with a sharp point.
• Falchion sword – This sword had a short and heavy blade with a single edge.

Medieval swords: Myths, uses and importance

• Along with swords that were used in battle, a whole host of other swords were used for training purposes also.
• Unlike the assumption we all have today, medieval swords were as not as heavy as they are thought to be.
• Apart from battle and training, medieval swords were widely used for ceremonial purposes also.
• Extending on the ceremonial use topic, in some empires the king's sword was given utmost importance, with the person who has possession of the sword thought of as the king.
• Most medieval swords had engraving of some form. These engravings generally indicated the armies or empires which they were fighting for along with their battle cry.