~ Medieval Weapons ~

-  Pole Arms    -

One of the main advantages of the pole arm was the relative cheapness and simplicity of making one.

Moreover, the length of the pole arm would enable the fighter to fight at a distance from his enemy. Not only could one reach above a horse and around a shield with such a weapon, but from relative safety the fighter could also strike his enemy before the enemy could strike back.

However, an opponent could slip inside the reach of the pole arm wielded by the soldier. If this were to happen, unless the soldier was armed with yet another weapon, he would be overthrown. This was obviously a major disadvantage, and so a common and successful tactic developed in which pole arm wielders would form a dense line so being especially dangerous for the enemy to attack.

Pole Arms - continued