War: II. Traditional Weapons (continued)

B. Handheld weapons (swords, axes, spears, lances, maces, etc.)

The Muslim armies also used a variety of handheld weapons for hand-to-hand combat.

1. Swords

The Prophet Muhammad said: "Swords are the keys to Paradise. He who draws his sword in the path of God has sworn allegiance (promised to be loyal) to God."

The double-blade sword is shown in the Persian miniature painting above.

The swords used by Arab warriors during the 12th and 13th centuries were almost always straight, double-edged weapons nearly identical to European swords. It is not until near the end of the 13th century that curved, single-edged blades are generally introduced and they only slowly become the common weapon of Arab warriors. In the 15th century, Arabs began to use highly curved swords such as the scimitar shown below.

Arab swordsmiths, especially those of Damascus and Toledo, in Muslim Spain, were renowned (famous) for their skill and the quality of their blades. They made high quality steel with a process of watering the blades which strengthened them. These weapons, like all those made by Arab artisans, were highly artistic, often being decorated with valuable metals and gems. Swords made by Arabs were highly prized in both the Islamic and Christian lands.

Persian/Turkman miniature from Shanama (Epic of Kings), 1388, showing combat with long swords. [SamFogg rare books site.]

Learn more about swords and daggers: Swords from North Africa: Broadswords of Sudan and Swords of the Saharan Tuareg. Daggers (knives) and ceremonial items with jewels: These were not intended to be used as real weapons, but were status symbols to show off how rich the owner was. See Topkapi Dagger (18th century, Turkey). This one has emeralds and diamonds, much too valuable to be used in fighting! See weapons of the Philippine Muslims (Moro Blades) and more Filipino weapons.

2. Battle-axes

Above is an Egyptian battle-ax of the 15th century. Axes were both single edged and double edged. This one is decorated and is very artistic.

 

3. Mace and Ball-and-Chain (shown at right)

The mace and ball-and-chain were swung by the warrior and used to hit the enemy. The mace and the ball-and-chain had sharp points in order to damage the enemy's helmet and armor.

Turkish warrior with a mace

4. Spears and Lances

Spears were used for throwing at the enemy and lances were used to charge an enemy. These were common weapons of foot soldiers (infantry) and soldiers mounted on horseback or camelback (cavalry).

This Persian miniature painting below shows a battle with swords, spears and lances, shields, and long bow. "Battle Between Iskandar and Dara", Tabriz, 1525. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

 

 

 

 

Go to Page One: War (introduction) and Weapons

This is Page Two: More Weapons

Go to Page Three: Siege Weapons

Go to Page Four: Battlefield Strategies and Animals in War

Go to Page Five: New Weapons and Fire Weapons and Cannons and Guns

Go to Page Six: Armor

Go to Page Seven: Castles and Forts

Go to Page Eight: Important Wars