Spears and Spearheads: History and Varieties throughout the Ages
In our catalog, you will find a wide selection of spears and spearheads that have been used throughout history by various cultures, from the Greeks and Romans to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. We have both decorative and functional spears that will allow you to explore the rich tradition of these weapons throughout the centuries.
What is a Spear?
A spear is a weapon composed of a shaft and a sharp, pointed tip. Typically, the shaft is made of wood, while the tip of the spear is usually metal to allow it to stick into the target without breaking. Throughout history, spears have been used both as throwing weapons and to strike an opponent from a safe distance. Despite its effectiveness as a throwing weapon due to its length, its limited maneuverability made it less effective in close combat.
The spear is one of humanity's oldest weapons, used since early times for hunting. Initially, it consisted of a simple wooden stick with a stone tip at the end. Throughout history, it was adopted by numerous cultures, including the Incas, Romans (known as verutum or pilum), Japanese (Yari), Greeks, and many African peoples.
Types of Spears
There are a variety of types of spears, each with its own characteristics and uses. Some of the most well-known spears include: Azagaya, Venablo, Yari, Sarissa, Dory-Doru, Xyston, Hasta, Pilum Romano, Viking Lance, Pica, Corcesa Lance, and Guisarma Lance.
The Pike: The Medieval Long Spear
The pike is a long medieval spear that generally measures between 3 and 4 meters in length. It was used by infantry to confront cavalry attacks and charges. Soldiers who carried pikes were known as pikemen. In the Late Middle Ages, the Swiss rescued and modernized this weapon, which was originally used by the ancient Greeks under the name Sarissa.
The main advantage of the pike lay in its length, which allowed up to four rows of pikemen to be used at the same time. This made it possible to stop cavalry charges effectively. On most occasions, the only way to dismantle a pike formation was to attack it from its flanks, as this weapon was particularly vulnerable in that area.
Halberds: Axe-Tipped Spears
Advanced medieval infantry formations often incorporated spears which were complemented by knives, axes, hammers or pikes. A variant of the spear is the halberd, which stood out for its basketed design with a wooden shaft approximately two meters in length. The halberd featured a spearhead at its top, an axe-blade-shaped transverse blade on one side, and another pointed or hooked appendage at the opposite end.
Horses rarely dared to charge a disciplined formation of men armed with long outstretched spears, which provided a solid defense against launched arrows. Halberds were weapons widely used in the Middle Ages due to their ease of use and simple manufacturing. Large groups of spearmen and halberdiers, whether on foot or on horseback, proved highly effective in medieval battles.
Spears, Pikes and Halberds: The Surrender of Breda
Diego Velázquez's famous 17th century painting, "The Lances" or "The Surrender of Breda", perfectly illustrates the difference between spears, pikes and halberds. The pikes are the longest and most numerous in the formation, while the spears and halberds are distinguished by the characteristics of their weapon heads. This work of art is a reminder of the importance and diversity of these weapons in military history.
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What is the definition of a spear?
A spear is a weapon composed of a shaft and a sharp, pointed tip, with the shaft usually made of wood and the tip of metal to allow penetration without breaking.
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What are some examples of types of spears?
Some examples of types of spears include the assegaya, the spear, the Yari, the Sarissa, the Dory-Doru, the
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How were pikes used in battle?
Pikes were used by infantry to counter cavalry attacks and charges. Its length allowed the use of up to four rows of pikemen at the same time, making them effective in stopping cavalry charges.
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What characterizes halberds?
Halberds are poised spears with a wooden shaft that features a spearhead at the top, a transverse blade similar to an ax blade on one side, and another pointed or hooked appendage at the opposite end.
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What does the painting "The Lances" or "The Surrender of Breda" by Diego Velázquez represent?
The painting represents the difference between spears, pikes and halberds in a military formation. Pikes are the longest and most numerous, while spears and halberds are distinguished by the characteristics of their weapon heads.
Explore our collection of spears and spearheads to discover the rich history of these weapons over the centuries and immerse yourself in the epic lore of battle and war.
