War Hammer

War Hammer

Facts and interesting information about Medieval Weapons, Armor and arms,
specifically, the War Hammer

Definition of a War Hammer
The War Hammer was a weapon used in Medieval Times by Foot Soldiers and occasionally knights.

Description of the Medieval War Hammer
The weapons used during the Medieval times include the Medieval War Hammer. The description of the Medieval War Hammer provides basic facts and information about the weapon is as follows:

• Medieval War Hammer - These weapons were designed with a head which was similar to a modern day hammer
• Later war hammers often had a spike on one side of the head making it a more versatile weapon
• Used as a close contact weapon in the late Medieval period
• The Medieval War Hammer weapon could be mounted on either a long shaft, measuring up to 5ft or a short shaft measuring 1ft
• Most European war hammers used during the Medieval times had broad, socketed heads enabling the hammer head and the shaft to fit together as opposed to the war hammers used by the Vikings which were often just lashed together
• The War Hammer had a hammer shaped head which was designed to deliver the full impact from a blow  to the skull even through the thickest helmet whereas a blow from a blade tended to ricochet the strengthened armor of a helmet
• A blow could apply tremendous force and damage the brain
• The War Hammer struck with force could apply significant injury to the head a knight in armor
• The weapon was primarily used as a bludgeoning weapon
• Type or group of weapons - Bludgeoning Weapon

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 War Hammer 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 period. 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 War Hammer was predominantly used by 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.

Medieval War Hammer Training
Skill in the use of Medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in Medieval life. The training required by a Foot Soldiers to use the Medieval War Hammer was as follows :

• Training method - The training method practised in the use of the Warhammer was based on strength and accuracy in hitting the target
• A "hit" was scored in Medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area

The Makers and Making of the Medieval War Hammer
This Medieval weapon blade was made by a Blacksmith. The materials required to make this weapon were:

• Iron
• Steel
• Occasionally bronze
• Wooden handles

Blacksmiths are usually associated with making weapons in a village smithy but Medieval blacksmiths were also an important part of a fighting army, making new weapons and repairing and the maintenance of old weapons.

The maintenance of the Medieval War Hammer
The general maintenance of the Medieval War Hammer was the responsibility of the soldier to keep the cutting edge sharp and in good condition.

Medieval Weapons and Armor - War Hammer
The Medieval Life and Times website provides interesting facts, history and information about the weapons, armor and battles in Medieval history, including the War Hammer, which scatter the history books. The Medieval Times Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts about the fascinating subject of the lives of the soldiers and knights who lived during the historical period of the Middle Ages. The content of this article on War Hammer provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework for history courses and history coursework.