Weapons

During the Middle Ages, weapons were an important part of everyday life, especially for a knight or soldier. They not only were used for fighting but also showcased power and rank. People during the Middle ages depended on weapons for protection, hunting and even symbols of honor. Out of all the weapons used, the sword and the longbow were some of the most influential  because they completely changed how battles were fought (Britannica).

The sword was one of the most respected weapons during medieval times. Knights trained for years to learn how to fight with it, and many carried their sword with pride. A sword was not only a tool for battle but also a sign of bravery and loyalty. Many were beautifully made and sometimes passed down through families. Swords were strong in close combat and became a symbol of knighthood (Metropolitan Museum of Art). Kings even used them during ceremonies to officially knight a warrior. Because of it's skillful use and meaning, the sword became one of the most important and recognizable weapons of medieval era (Royal Armouries Museum).

The longbow, on the other hand, changed the way battles were fought. It allowed soldiers to shoot arrows from a distance with great power and accuracy. This weapon gave armies an advantage because they could attack before the enemy could get close. The longbow helped shape new strategies and proved that distance could win battles just as much as strength in close combat (Encyclopedia Britannica). Together, the sword and longbow showed how medieval warfare depended on both skill and technology.  The longbow was especially famous during the hundred years war, which archers helped win victories such as the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 (History.com). Overall the longbow was not just a weapon but a symbol of how innovation could change the course of history and redefine the art of war. 

Recap

Medieval weapons like the sword and the longbow played a huge role in shaping how wars were fought and how people lived during the Middle Ages. The sword represented bravery, honor and close combat skill, while the longbow showed how  powerful distance and strategy could be. Both weapons proved that strength and intelligence were equally important on the battlefield. Together they changed warefare forever and left a lasting mark on history that can still be seen in museums and in stories. 

Useful links that hold viable information about Medieval weaponry 

www.britannica.com     

Encyclopedia Britannica is a useful source for understanding the development, design, and purpose of various medieval weapons such as swords, mace and longbows.

www.metmuseum.org

This websites let you see images, artifacts and historical descriptions of real medieval weapons.

www.nam.ac.uk/explore/longbow

This website from the National Army Museum gives you military perspective on the longbow, explaining how it was made, used and how it was effective in battle.

www.history.com

This provides clear summary of famous battles and historical events. It can help you connect weapons to real historocal outcomes showing how tools like swords and longbows affected the results of major medieval conflict.

Sources

"AleHorn. Medieval Times- The Weapons of Choice. AleHorn Viking Blog, 27 June 2015, www.alehorn.com/blogs/alehorn-viking-blog/medieval-times-the-weapons-of-choice"

"English Longbow". HistoryNet, HistoryNet LLC, 8 July 2011, www.historynet.com/english-longbow.

"Longbow". Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc, 2025, www.britannica.com/technology/longbow

Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Sword from the Arsenol Alexandria." The met collection, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/23189. Accessed 07  Nov. 2025

Royal Armouries Museum. "Medieval Swords". Royal Armouires Collections, collections.royalarmouries.org. Accessed 07 Nov 2025

Battle of Agincourt. History.com, A&E Television Network, 2023, http://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/battle-of-agincourt.