Spears

The spear is a fairly simple weapon. Even though there are many variations of the spear such as the lance and javelin most spears had a wooden shaft and a metal or stone (if a primitive culture or tribe) tip.

Thrusting spear
The thrusting spear was short compared to other spear types it was used by Romans then replaced by the javelin. It was used mainly to stab at enemies with its metal tip. It was used once again during medieval times as the weapon of the lower class and men-at-arms.

Javelin
The javelin was a deadly throwing weapon used by cultures like Rome and Greece in the Bronze Age. All people who had one threw it at the opposing army. It could stop an infantry charge quickly. They were versatile weapons used by Roman Legionaries and greek Hoptilites.

Pike
The pike was commonly used by large armies to keep enemies back while the archers fired repeatedly. It was effective against knights because they could not get close enough to use their weapons. Pikemen were always in the front line because they were useless further back. If cavalry charged at the pikemen the horses could be impaled or severely injured. However horsemen could wait towards towards rear of the army and infantry could start fighting pikemen, giving the cavalry and knights a chance to flank them.

Lance
The lance was a long spear with a metal disk to help knights to keep their grip. It was nine to ten feet long. During the time of The Battle Of Hastings, it was a throwing weapon like the javelin. They were used during joust tournaments. If used in battle they are very awkward to wield and require excellent hand eye-coordination and strength.

Halberd
A halberd was a spear with an axe attachment on one side. You could thrust with the tip and slam down with the axe.

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