List of premodern combat weapons

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This is a list of notable types of weapons that were used in warfare, and more broadly in combat, prior to the advent of the early modern period, i.e., approximately prior to the start of the 16th century. It therefore excludes objects that may be broadly understood as weapons but are not combat weapons, such as ceremonial weapons and ritual tools shaped or conceptualized as weapons, hunting weapons, and other items that may be perceived as weapons but for which there is no historical evidence of their use in combat during the relevant period.

The entries are grouped according to their uses, with similar weapons categorized together. Some weapons may fit more than one category (e.g. the spear may be used either as a polearm or as a projectile), and the earliest gunpowder weapons that fill within this period are also included.

Hand-to-hand combat

Hand or fist weapons and fans

Single-handed weapons not resembling a straight dagger blade, usually wielded without wrist action; often protects the forearm.

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Swords

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Curved one-handed

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Straight one-handed

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Curved two-handed

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Hand-and-a-half and two-handed greatswords

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Shortswords

Delineated as 20-28 inches/51–71 cm total length.[2]

Curved shortswords include the following:

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Axe-like

Generally, convex blades used for heavy chopping or slashing.

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Other

Fighting knives and daggers

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Sickles and sickle like knives

Generally short, concave blades used for heavy cutting.

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  • Arit (Maduresian, Indonesian)
  • Karambit, kerambit, korambit (Minangkabauian, Indonesian)
  • Kujang (Sundanese, Indonesian)
  • Kukri (Indian)
  • Mandau (Malaysian, Indonesian, Bornean, Bruneian)
  • Pichangatti[1] (Indian)
  • Punyal (Philippinese, Southeast Asian)
  • Sickle (Improvised, worldwide)
  • Sudanese sickle knife[1] (African)

Picks and pickaxes

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Axes

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Truncheons and blunt weapons

Usually wielded with one or two hands at close quarters with striking motions, although some sharp-pointed truncheons like the sai were more often used for stabbing.

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Polearms and spears

Template:Main article Wielded mainly with two hands. Primarily for hand-to-hand combat with sweeping, thrusting, and or hooking motions.

Blunt staves

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Spears

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Polearms with axe-like blades

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Polearms with spikes and hammers

Flexible weapons

Whips

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Sectional and composite

Having multiple handles or holdable sections.

Chains and ropes

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Shields

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Thrown

Throwing blades and darts

Throwing spears

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Throwing axes

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Throwing balls

  • Bolas, ayllo, liwi, qilumitautit (Central American, South American, Arctic)
  • Slungshot not to be confused with a slingshot (Improvised, Worldwide)
  • Stone, rock (Improvised, Worldwide)

Throwing sticks

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  • Boomerang (Australian, Worldwide)
  • Knobkierrie, knopkierie, knobkerry, also a blunt weapon (African)
  • Rungu (East African)
  • Stick, branch (Improvised, Worldwide)

Gunpowder-based

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File:Ming Dynasty eruptor proto-cannon.jpg
An illustration of an "eruptor", a proto cannon from the 14th century Ming Dynasty book Huolongjing. The cannon was capable of firing proto shells, cast iron bombs filled with gunpowder.

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Slings

Bows

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Longbows

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Recurve bows

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Short bows and reflex bows

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Crossbows

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Blowguns

Stationary, mounted, or wheeled ballistic devices

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Flamethrowers

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See also

Swords

References

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  1. a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  9. a b Γεώργιος Ηλιόπουλος (Georgios Iliopoulos), "Η χαμένη πυραυλική τεχνολογία των αρχαίων Ελλήνων" (The lost missile technology of the ancient Greeks), Ιχώρ (Ihor), 27, page 12-13, Greece, 2002.
  10. Γεώργιος Ηλιόπουλος (Georgios Iliopoulos), "Η χαμένη πυραυλική τεχνολογία των αρχαίων Ελλήνων" (The lost missile technology of the ancient Greeks), Ιχώρ (Ihor), 27, page 13, Greece, 2002.

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