What is a Harquebus?

The harquebus, one of the most iconic weapons of European infantry from the 15th to the 17th centuries, represents a crucial turning point in the evolution of military technology. This smoothbore firearm, a predecessor to the more advanced musket, was key in transforming armed combat by providing infantry soldiers with a lethal weapon capable of easily penetrating armor.

Features of the Harquebus

This portable firearm is classified within the group of arquebuses and was known as "espingarda" in 16th-century Portuguese chronicles.

• Design and Structure: The harquebus featured an iron barrel, approximately one meter long, with calibers ranging between 15 and 20 mm. This barrel was mounted on a wooden stock, usually made of cherry or walnut, measuring about one and a half meters long.
• Firing Mechanism: It operated with a slow match ignition system. This meant that a lit match, located in a serpentine device, ignited the fine gunpowder in the pan upon pulling the trigger, firing the projectile.
• Weight and Length: Weighing between four and five kilograms, the harquebus measured between 1.2 and 1.5 meters, making it manageable yet robust.
• Range and Lethality: Its effective range was around 50 meters, sufficient to be lethal and penetrate armor at that distance.

Usage and Evolution Over Time

The harquebus played a decisive role in various European conflicts due to its characteristics and the tactical change it promoted.

• Use in Warfare: Essential in infantry, the harquebus facilitated more dynamic and effective combat strategies against forces protected by armor.
• Historical Impact: A notable example occurred in 1522, when Spanish harquebusiers defeated Swiss pikemen at Bicoca. Another key event took place in 1525, with the defeat of heavily armed French knights at the Battle of Naples.
• Replacement by the Musket: With the advent of the musket, which featured a longer barrel and greater weight, the harquebus began to be replaced. The effectiveness and range of the musket represented a significant improvement, although it required a rest for proper aiming.

Sensitivity and Limitations of the Harquebus

• Weather Sensitivity: The powder of the harquebus was prone to dampness, rendering it unusable in rainy or humid conditions.
• Handling: Although it required less skill than the bow or crossbow, its proper functioning depended on the user's proficiency with the matchlock mechanism, which took time to master.

The harquebus quickly displaced the use of the crossbow in warfare, marking a significant shift in military technology. Its ease of use compared to conventional melee and projectile weapons of the time allowed more soldiers to be effective in less time.

The importance of the harquebus lies not only in its lethal capacity but also in its crucial role during a period of technological transition in military armament, laying the groundwork for modern firearms. Although it was eventually supplanted by the musket, its legacy endures as evidence of military innovation during the Renaissance.