Crusades Weapons and Advantages
By Keegan and Nick
The Trebuchet
Cannon
Long bow
The Welsh were the first people in Britain to have and use longbows
Every Medieval Longbow was made to measure
The length of the longbow therefore ranged considerably in size from 6 - 7 feet in length
The majority of Longbows were made from yew but ash, hazel and elm were also used
The bow stave was shaped into a D-section from a half cross section of a tree or branch
The wood of the longbow was protected with a rub of "wax, resin, and fine tallow"
A skilled longbowman could release between 10 - 12 arrows per minute
The longbow could also pierce the armor of a knight at ranges of more than 250 yards
The string of the longbow was made from hemp as it was the strongest and least elastic fibre available. The string was then soaked in glue as some protection against moisture
The weapon was particularly effective against opponents wearing plate armor
Type or group of weapons - Ranged Weapon which caused a projectile to leave the soldier and strike a target
Long Bodkin were point arrows were used for piercing mail. Arrows called Short bodkins were used for piercing armor plate. Arrows called swallowtails were used to bring down horses.
Batteringram
The Battering ram - the most famous of all Medieval weapons! The Battering Ram was used to literally 'batter' down, pound, punch and shake castle gates, doors and walls! Huge tree trunks were used to construct a battering ram which were often fitted with a metal head and supported by metal bands. Troops swung the tree trunk back and forth battering its target. Considerable organisation was required to use the battering ram. Up to 100 might be involved and skill was required in timing the rhythmic movement, the swing and twist of the ram in the sling. The Battering Ram was most effective against wooden gates and doors. However, a Battering Ram also proved effective against stone Castles particularly when they were aimed at the castle corners. The design of the Battering Ram was modified and a war machine, called a 'Bore' was developed to compliment the Battering Ram.
Longsword
Crossbow
Lance
It was a long metal pointed spear that were used for the battles and a wooden lance with a blunt tip for tournements.