High Middle Ages Weapons

During the high middle ages, the three most prevalent weapons were the sword, the battle-axe and the spear, however, the crossbow rapidly gained popularity. Combined with the increased prevalence of horse warfare (which eased movement and gave an advantage to its warring riders who carried spears) and the introduction of massive siege engines, these hand-held weapons allowed invaders like the Normans to overawe less technologically-advanced people. The peasants, on the other hand, generally fought back with the only weapons in their possession: the tools that they used to till their fields and tend their homes - hayforks, flails, sickles, axes, clubs with spikes, and boar-spears. Interestingly, these same tools eventually became an integral part of the weapons inventory of most armies. Currently we have small but selected collection of spreaheads and axes in Middle Ages Weapons, which shall shortly be enhanced.