Key Point: A glaive weapon was a polearm, 6-7 feet long, featuring a single-edged blade on the end of a pole, often used for cutting and thrusting in medieval warfare.
Today we will be covering the glaive. A polearm that was quite popular in Medieval times. So by the time you finish this article, you will know where glaive comes from, how the glaive weapon was used, and why it was so effective.
But before we begin, as always. Let’s start at the beginning. What is a glaive weapon?
The glaive weapon was a polearm consisting of a single-edged blade mounted on the end of a pole. It was a popular weapon among medieval European soldiers, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries. The glaive was effective against both mounted and unmounted opponents due to its length and versatility.
That was the key takeaway you should keep in mind. But now, let’s go into a little more detail. By taking a look at the origin of the glaive weapon.
Origins Of The Glaive
The glaive weapon was a medieval European polearm with a curved single-edged blade on a long pole. It was likely developed to counteract the rise of plate armor used by knights, which made traditional weapons less effective. With its longer reach and curved blade, the glaive was an effective weapon against both mounted and unmounted opponents.
It was sort of a leveling weapon. Enabling a trained commoner to go against a knight on horseback from a distance. And that is what made the glaive weapon so effective. Its ability to give its user a way to inflict damage from a safe distance. We will take a look at the distance part a little later.
Let’s take a look at which pivotal battles the glaive weapon played a part.
Famous Battle Where The Glaive Weapon Was Used
One famous battle where the glaive was used was the Battle of Blore Heath. Which took place in 1459 during the Wars of the Roses. That’s one example of a battle where the glaive was used. During this battle, the Lancastrian forces utilized glaives to great effect against the Yorkist forces.
The long reach of the glaive weapon allowed the Lancastrian soldiers to attack their opponents from a distance. The curved blade is effective in penetrating gaps in armor. Although initially successful, the Lancastrians were ultimately defeated by the Yorkists.
That’s the history bit. Now, let’s take a look at the dimensions of the glaive weapon.
Dimension Of The Glaive Weapon
The overall length of a glaive weapon ranged from six to eight feet. This made it a formidable polearm that was effective both in close combat and at a distance. If we break it down a little, the pole of the glaive was between six and seven feet long. The blade was typically between 18 and 24 inches in length, with a curved edge that tapered to a point.
Now, let’s take a look at the materials used in the glaive weapon.
Materials The Glaive Weapon Was Made From
The materials used in glaive weapon are pretty much the same as with other polearms.
The blade was often made from high-carbon steel. This provided durability and a sharp edge. The pole was made from hardwood, such as ash or oak, which provided strength and flexibility. Some glaives also featured metal reinforcements, such as ferrules or spikes, to improve their effectiveness in combat.
Now, it’s time we take a look at the tactics used with the glaive weapon.
How It Was Used In Battle
Here is how the glaive weapon was used in battle.
The glaive was quite effective for striking opponents at a distance. While the hook at the end of the blade was used to pull riders off their horses or to hook around shields to pull them aside. The glaive was often used with other polearms, such as the bill or the halberd, to create a coordinated attack against the enemy.
Also, the glaive weapon was an effective weapon for defending against cavalry charges, which was a popular tactic at the time. Glaive with its length allowed the infantry to keep their distance while still striking at the horse and rider.
Glaive Formations
In terms of tactics, glaives were often used in formations known as schiltrons, which were tightly-packed formations of soldiers wielding long spears or polearms. These formations were effective against cavalry charges, as they could repel the charge while still allowing soldiers to strike at the horses and riders.
Glaive-armed soldiers were also used in other formations, such as the pike-and-shot formations that were popular during the Renaissance.
Given how popular and useful the glaive weapon was on the battlefield one has to wonder … why did it fall from use? Let’s investigate.
Why The Glaive Weapon Disappeared From Battlefields Across Europe?
It’s simple. Gunpowder weapons. As firearm technology progressed long weapons became impractical since a well-trained musketeer could pick you off from 20 to 40 yards away. It’s the same thing that happened with this polearm.
Gunpowder weapons were just better. And easier to use.
In Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you learned a thing or two about the glaive weapon. And I will see you at the next one. I suggest taking a look at this polearm named after the crow’s beak.
Take care!
Sources:
“Weapons: An International Encyclopedia from 5000 B.C. to 2000 A.D.” edited by David Harding
“The Complete Encyclopedia of Arms and Weapons” by Leonid Tarassuk and Claude Blair