• The objective for using this weapon was as an effective hazard to the hooves of horses
• The word "caltrop" comes from Old English word 'calcatrippe' and the Latin word 'calcitrapa' meaning "foot trap"
• The method for using this weapon was to toss a handful of Caltrops at a targeted location and spread the small metal spikes over a large area
• The caltrop was effective in damaging the hooves of horses and slowing their movement
• The Medieval horse, called a Destrier was the favored horses of knights in Medieval Times and any means of combating this fearful animal were used by their opponents

The Medieval times were an extremely violent era in history featuring battles in both Europe and the Holy Land when the crusades, and the crusaders who fought them, were numerous. Feudal Lords and Knights and their men at arms used such weapons as the Medieval Caltrops in different types of warfare. The quest for power led to invasions of lands and territories which had to be fought for. Siege warfare, waged to win a castle or a walled town or city, was a frequent occurrence during the Medieval times. Warfare during the Medieval era called for a variety of weapon expertise. Knights and men-at-arms (who consisted of foot soldiers or archers) used different types of weapons. The Medieval Caltrops was predominantly used by a Foot Soldiers. The weapons used were dictated according to status and position. The weapons, armor and horse of the Knight were extremely expensive - the fighting power of just one knight was worth 10 ordinary soldiers.