List of premodern combat weapons


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, 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.
Thrusting and cutting weapons for melee combat. Col. D.H. Gordon's classification has been used where applicable.

Swords

Curved one-handed
Delineated as 20-28 inches/51–71 cm total length.
Curved shortswords include the following:
Straight shortswords include the following:
Generally, convex blades used for heavy chopping or slashing.
Sickles and sickle like knives
Generally short, concave blades used for heavy cutting.
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.
Wielded mainly with two hands. Primarily for hand-to-hand combat with sweeping, thrusting, and or hooking motions.

Blunt staves

Whips

Used for whipping.
Having multiple handles or holdable sections.
Having a heavy object attached to a flexible chain or rope. Wielded by swinging, throwing, or projecting the end, as well as wrapping, striking, and blocking with the chain or rope, sometimes attached to another type of weapon.