Key Point: Bec de Corbin, was a medieval polearm, that had a beak-like spike on one side and a hammerhead on the other, mounted on a shaft that measured around 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters) in length.
In this article, we will be taking a look at Bec de Corbin. A Polearm that was widely used in Medieval Europe. You will see what Bec de Corbin is, how it was used, and how effective Bec de Corbin really was on the battlefield.
So, strap yourself in, and let’s get started at the beginning by answering a simple question. So … What was Bec de Corbin?
The Bec de Corbin was a polearm weapon used in medieval Europe. It had a spike on one end and a beak-shaped blade on the other, which made it versatile for both thrusting and striking. The “beak” was used to pierce armor, while the spike could penetrate a helmet or shield. Its name translates to “crow’s beak” in French, reflecting the shape of the blade. It was primarily used by foot soldiers, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Origin Of Bec de Corbin
The origin of the Bec de Corbin can be traced to the Swiss and German regions of Medieval Europe. It was a polearm that emerged in 14th-century Europe. Its name is derived from the French term for “crow’s beak”, which refers to the spike at the top of the weapon.
It was used primarily as a weapon for foot soldiers.
The design of the Bec de Corbin was influenced by earlier polearms such as the halberd. It featured a long wooden pole with a spike at the top, along with a hammerhead on the opposite side of the spike. This design allowed for various attack styles, including thrusting, chopping, and bludgeoning.
Now, let’s take a look at a famous battle where the Bec de Corbin played a role.
A Battle Where Bec de Corbin Was Used
One notable example, where this weapon was used is the Battle of Nancy in 1477. This is where Swiss soldiers armed with Bec de Corbins fought against the army of Duke Charles the Bold of Burgundy. The Swiss soldiers used the weapon effectively to pierce the armor of the Burgundian knights. Which resulted in their victory.
Now, let’s explore its dimensions.
Dimensions Of The Bec de Corbin
Most versions featured a pole that was around six to seven feet in length. The spike at the top of the weapon was typically around six inches long, while the hammerhead was around four to five inches in diameter. This means the overall length of the weapon was between 6 and 7 feet.
The weapon weighed between four and six pounds. This made it relatively lightweight compared to other polearms of the era.
Now, from what it was made from.
Materials Used To Make The Bec de Corbin
The pole of the Bec de Corbin was typically made from durable hardwood such as ash or oak, while the spike and hammerhead were made from steel. The quality of the steel used in the weapon was crucial since a poorly made Bec de Corbin could easily break in battle. And that is why steel, although expensive was preferred to iron.
And now, for the next part … how it was used in battle.
How It Was Used In Battle
Below is a video demonstrating the Bec du Corbin and its uses in more detail. So, go ahead and take a look, if you re the visual type:
The Bec de Corbin was a versatile weapon that could be used in various ways on the battlefield. The spike at the top of the weapon was effective for thrusting and piercing armor. While the hammerhead was useful for bludgeoning and crushing opponents. The weapon was also used to hook and pull an opponent off their horse or to trip them up on the battlefield.
But here is the important part.
The weapon did require skill and strength to wield effectively, as it required precise movements. Bec de Corbin users would often train extensively to master the weapon and develop effective tactics for using it in battle.
Comparison To Other Polearms
Bec de Corbin was a specialized weapon. While it was effective in close-quarters combat it lacked the reach and versatility of the pike or the chopping power of the halberd. Even so, the Bec de Corbin remained a popular weapon among European foot soldiers for several centuries due to its effectiveness in certain situations.
So, if it was that effective, then why did it disappear from the battlefield?
Why Did It Disappear From The Battlefield?
The Bec de Corbin peaked in popularity during the 14th and 15th centuries, but by the 16th century, it began to lose its dominance on the battlefield. And why is that?
The main reason for this was the increasing use of firearms. As firearms became more advanced and widespread, they made polearms like the Bec de Corbin less effective. But why is that? It’s simple. Firearms could shoot from a distance. This made it possible for soldiers to hit their targets without the need to get close to the enemy.
Also, the increasing use of armor made things difficult for the users of the weapon. The armor was designed to withstand the blows of polearms, making it difficult for soldiers to pierce through the armor with the Bec de Corbin. So, obviously, firearms became the weapon of choice as they could penetrate armor more effectively than polearms. And they were cheaper to produce.
Finally, the Bec de Corbin was a weapon that required skill and training to use effectively. As armies grew in size, training soldiers to use the Bec de Corbin became more difficult.
So quite a similar reason as to why this polearm disappeared from the battlefield as well.
In Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you learned a thing or two. And I will see you at the next one. I suggest exploring this article next.
Take care!
Sources:
Edge, D. & Paddock, J. (1988). Arms & Armor of the Medieval Knight
Oakeshott, E. (1960). European Weapons and Armour: From the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution