Medieval Weaponry, from Swords to Daggers Quiz

Answer: Flyssa

The Flyssa, a Central African sword, was primarily developed to cut through chainmail, still the predominant armor in the 19th century of that area. The Gladius fell out of use after the Romans' downfall, while the Pallasch and the Zweihänder both lost popularity after the 17th century.

Answer: Obsidian

Primarily used in early Mesoamerica, the macuahuitl resembled a modern-day paddle with shards of obsidian laid along the perimeter of the striking edge. Less efficient than the European counterparts, strikes made with the macuahuitl were more likely to rend and tear than to slice cleanly.

However, the obsidian shards often would be dislodged and remain in the flesh of the victim, festering and ultimately leading to death.

Answer: India

One of the most difficult weapons to wield, the Urumi was a sword of razor-sharp steel that flexed when slashed through the air. The result was that the Urumi often functioned as a whip as much as a sword, and could be twirled around the body of the user, forming a barrier of steel.

However, only experts could successfully employ such a weapon, as often a new practitioner could lose control of the whirling blade and injure themself.

Answer: Backsword

The Dha, a variant of the Dao, was far too large to function as a sidesword or shortsword. And while the blade was relatively broad, the Dha was single edged and had a bevel instead of a point.

Answer: Arbir

The Arbir, or an Indonesian halberd, was relatively similar to the European variant, used exclusively by the Persatuan Pentjak.

Answer: Deer horn knives

In Baguazhang, the Deer Horn Knives are the primary daggers used in training and in combat.

Answer: Defeat you in a non-lethal duel.

The épée, similar to the foil, was a fencers' sword, or a duellists' blade, used in Europe during the age of honorable contests of swordsmanship.

Answer: Guan Dao

Often used by the Shaolin practitioners, the Guan Dao resembled a heavy sabre, however, though its design was for offense it was used for disarming and defense. It is said a cloth would often be attached to the Guan Dao to distract an opponent so they could be disarmed, though this is unlikely to be the case in warfare.

Answer: Kriss

The Kriss had a wavy blade, which often made it a ceremonial weapon rather than one of combat. Worn primarily by the upper class in South-East Asia, it was nonetheless still capable of wounding an attacker, and served as both decoration and for self-defense.

Answer: A knight's cavalry lance

All of the other weapons could be used on foot, and therefore necessitated extended use beyond a single blow from on horseback. However, the lance was used once per charge. The rider would lock the lance and charge a target, aiming to impale them with the length of the weapon.

After accomplishing this, the cavalryman would release the lance, riding on past the target as they did so. As they passed, they would often draw a blade, such as a sabre, and cut back to finish the victim, and then proceed forward with the sword.

The lance would be collected afterword.