The place of the longsword and sword & buckler in the medieval world

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10 жыл бұрын

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@GetitUnderCool 10 жыл бұрын

Despite the longsword being considered more knightly than the arming sword, there's still the fact that regal insignia like Joyeuse and the Reichschwert are arming swords, and so is Tizona, not to mention that Excalibur and Durendal are always depicted as arming swords in paintings. I think that Longswords were just the new hot trend that every cool knight of that time had to follow! :)

@faramund9865 4 жыл бұрын

Joyeuse is 9th century, waaaaaaay before the Longsword.

@VideoMask93 3 жыл бұрын

I think such "regal" swords are arming swords because they're easier to wear as part of your formal regalia, whereas a longsword is primarily useful for war.

@beardedbjorn5520 3 жыл бұрын

Considering that the majority of mounted knights preferred using an arming sword over a long sword, or bastard sword for that matter should speak volumes. There’s many reasons why they probably preferred it, easier to use one handed while holding reigns being that primary one. But as mentioned, they’re more likely to be worn while in court as well.

@nicholashanson6218 10 жыл бұрын

Wouldn't it be great if billmen were called 'Hookers' back then?

@AeolethNionian 7 жыл бұрын

Probably just men at arms. But I like the idea of them being called hookers.

@mlentzner 10 жыл бұрын

Would really like to see something about messers/falchions and how they fit into the picture. For a supposedly commoner's weapon the messer seems to have received a lot of attention from fight book authors.

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

Yes it does and I do have a few ideas about that, so I will make a video at some point. Thanks.

@edi9892 10 жыл бұрын

My guess would be that the longsword was carried by those that could afford good armor, so that they did not rely on a shield.

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

Yes, it seems to have been related.

@Yorgar 10 жыл бұрын

i remember reading that Aragorn actually used a single handed handed sword, but again movies.

@pendragonfilm 10 жыл бұрын

I put that to Richard Taylor from Weta and he laughed, he thought it was a bastard or hand and a half sword that you could use with two or one hand. It was more about who did the fight training.

@FoolingWithFuhlen 10 жыл бұрын

considering Tolkien's love of anglo-saxon literature and stories, and how LotR was basically an anglo-saxon-inspired story, AND in the books, IIRC Aragorn even used a shield at Helm's Deep, it would seem that Aragorn's sword was probably the kind of swords that vikings or normans used.

@crazyscotsman9327 6 жыл бұрын

It is never actually stated what Aragorn's sword looks like. In my mind I always saw Anduril as a hand and half sword, on the edge of being a greatsword but still usable in one hand. After all Aragorn is basically superhuman in terms of that world so I always saw him using a much larger sword then the others. And we are only told he took a shield to Helms Deep it is never stated again that he used a shield, not at Pelinor Fields, or at the Black Gate.

@casperchristensen8354 5 жыл бұрын

I never go the impression from the books that Aragorn was any kind of super man. Just lived long cause half elf.

@deathlyvoid2419 5 жыл бұрын

@@casperchristensen8354 Not half elf, he's numenorian. Elrond is the half elf

@Viniter 10 жыл бұрын

Another point to be considered is that manuscripts for sword and buckler were not as much needed, because they were more common, and there for it was easier to get training with them.

@ExarPalantas 9 жыл бұрын

Found this channel recently, and I'm loving it. I'm play a knight in armor at my RPG game, and I'm always looking for little bits to throw in for authenticity, even though we're in the Forgotten Realms with all sorts of whacky fantasy happenings.

@iangeary1916 4 жыл бұрын

Shakespeare actually refers to Prince Hal (later Henry V) as a "sword and buckler knight". This was still solidly in the English renaissance, which is just kind of interesting

@G-Blockster 3 жыл бұрын

Delivered like a true historian. It is my experience that the simplest explanation is often the most correct one. Imagine, the expensive, handwritten books were written for -- and marketed to -- those who could afford them (the nobility). Great job. Keep on keepin' on!

@justsomeguy3931 5 жыл бұрын

I love the swords and buckler you show in this video. That's what I'd roll with, then or now. Having read I33 a few times, practiced it a little, and owned a buckler, I think that'd be my best combination. I'd also rather maximize my defensive capability rather than offensive as a civilian for self defense. I think you were right in another video talking about how large 2 handed swords worked best for bodyguards etc.

@breaden4381 7 жыл бұрын

150 year fad? That's impressive.

@casperchristensen8354 5 жыл бұрын

Well info moved rather slow with internet.

@michaelcurl9200 9 жыл бұрын

Hey Matt, could you please do a video on the advantages of a longsword vs. a sword and buckler, as well as why the longsword became the knightly sword?

@KorGarrot 5 жыл бұрын

The main advantage a longsword has over sword&buckler is the little bit of extra reach. However, the main thing that will always determine the victor is the combatants relative skills compared to each other. My guess as to why the longsword became the "knightly" sword is due to the "showiness" of having a longer sword. The common idea is that longer swords are harder to make and are therefore more expensive. So it's kinda the medieval version of having the $1000 iPhone.

@AdlerMow 4 жыл бұрын

The longsword became prominent when plate armor became prevalent. As a complete suit of plate is almost impervious to arrows, the much of the need for a shield faded away. That's about the time when polearms really developed, mainly to fight better armored foe, but also as they are heavier and need both hands to use, now free from the shield. If you have both hands available, then the longsword make all sense. It's a more powerful weapon, have longer reach, and can be used for more accurate thrusts using the half-sword technique (quite handy when fighting heavly armored foes). Then compared with sword and shield, the longsword really only got an edge on armored fighting. For self defense, in many scenarios an arming sword (and buckler) was a superior choice, as its quicker to draw, lighter, more convenient to carry and easier to use on cramped spaces (as an alley or a tavern).

@doobermanpincher 10 жыл бұрын

Good heavens. I've been dyslexic about the word "treatise" all these years.

@LaserTSV 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another interesting video!

@Robert399 9 жыл бұрын

In "knight vs samurai" discussions or whatever I think this is true. In the video game and roleplaying game communities though, it's just a misapplication of the term. People think that the "longsword" was the common one-handed sword, as opposed to a "shortsword". Then above that, there are "greatswords" (like in Skyrim or whatever).

@AA-db9cb 9 жыл бұрын

Robert R There are true two-handed swords, still, that are even bigger than the longsword. Unlike the longsword which can be used both one and two-handed, those true two-handed swords were used exclusively two-handed and generally used in the same role as polearms.

@Robert399 9 жыл бұрын

Jesus Christ Yeah I know, but even there it's kind of assumed in roleplaying games that everything is in neat categories. You have "greatswords" then "bastard swords" then "longswords >:|" then "shortswords" then "daggers". They don't recognise that it's a spectrum and even within each category there's huge variation (in purpose and design, not just length).

@vonakakkola 2 жыл бұрын

@@Robert399 i don't think the problem is spectrum or not, you can have a realistic videogame where weapon are standardized (for gameplay purpose, but it's not too irrealistic this idea) the problem is that longsword or bastard sword often don't exist, you have only single handed sword (which games call "longsword") and greatsword, which are always heavier, impractical and too common instead of real ones in d&d there are all theese swords, but still greatswords are too used

@I_Willenbrock_I Жыл бұрын

I have a theory. I dare say that the fight with sword and shield (heater, triangle etc) was not featured in manuscripts, because it was so common, everybody was able to find a swordfighter, who could teach you proper handling. I dare say that because it was so common, they didn't had to write down manuscripts for it. The longsword on the other hand was so exotic, it needed written down instructions. The buckler also is a more specialized dueling shield that needed more refined training. Despite the fact that sword and buckler was so common, London had to make laws and restrictions, we only found one manuscript.

@khoatran-pc6tb 10 жыл бұрын

personally,I think the sword and buckler set is more graceful

@The_Northern_Bomber 8 жыл бұрын

The dagger only became popular because of the adoption of the basket hilt. The purpose of the buckler was always to protect the hand but with the basket hilt guard you could now place the sword hand in the lead and gain even more reach, this is why the basket hilted broadsword evolved into the rapier. Because the sword hand was in the lead the thrust became much more efficient then the cut and the broadsword became longer, narrower and stiffer, all things which suited the thrust. This all occurred because of the development of the basket hilt! The dagger simply gives the hand relieved of the buckler something to do: which is to parry the other rapier thrust or trap blades with also the ability of a surprise attack while you are stuck in a sword bind with opponent. Plus you no longer have to hear the annoying klinking of the buckler. On a sidenote, it is my opinion that nothing beats an oval shield (thureos) and broadsword in unarmoured single combat. You can knockout any man with a boxing like jab from the large oval shield, this is why they strengthened the ends with metal. You can also constantly jab at the opponent shield to keep him unbalanced or jab to set up a trap to draw his attack. Want to win a sword fight unscathed then set up traps and counterattack.

@Ariovistvs 10 жыл бұрын

The Albion Ringeck is a truely beautiful sword in any possible way :D

@Vorpal_Wit 10 жыл бұрын

Agreed. I'm a type XVIII man myself. Their Principe is amazing.

@sth3n0 10 жыл бұрын

Re: Sword&Buckler in Manciolino et. al. - Sword & buckler was the principle armament of Spanish tercios, which were a pretty big deal all through the 16th Century and into the 17th, and were used a lot in Italy, e.g. at the battle of Pavia, and hence would have been of interest to Italian masters and their readers.

@HaNsWiDjAjA 8 жыл бұрын

Really, the word "buckler" in that context was a misnomer, since the shield used by the Spanish rodeleros was not the buckler but the "rotella", which was much bigger than a buckler and held in a different way as well.

@badpossum440 7 жыл бұрын

Matt, I have read that Spanish sword & buckler men dominated a period of time and were much feared ,can you explain what put them ahead of others of their time, I believe the time was when Spain was fighting with Holland.

@casperchristensen8354 5 жыл бұрын

Probably just very well trained or a special group the enemy wrongfully assumed were basic troops. Thats usually how it went.

@LCCWPresents 9 жыл бұрын

do you have a falchion (Middle medieval western European sword) It would be cool to see the blade comparison in size with other swords, never get to see a size comparison between it and other swords

@londiniumarmoury7037 5 жыл бұрын

The Longsword is our burden to carry.

@workinghuntingguarddogsfam816 10 жыл бұрын

Cool

@CanadaMMA 9 жыл бұрын

Matt, I am curious. What is your opinion on the square buckler vs the round one?

@zsoltbocsi7546 3 ай бұрын

you need to revisit this topic

@destinytroll1374 7 жыл бұрын

Most people in LOTR are carrying arming swords or Sverds (viking style swords). Only a few of the hero's are carrying long swords? which makes sense seeing that they didn't initially go looking for war but for stealth. Also because they're, you know, princes and wizards. Going on a long journey you'd want either a long sword or arming sword and buckler. Look at the thousands of Gondorian and Rohirim soldiers, they're using one handed swords.

@johnstuartkeller5244 8 жыл бұрын

Slightly off-topic: One reason for the popularity, or at least more common famiarity, of longsword over sword and buckler these days is, as you mentioned, cinima. Longsword is prevalent in "Medieval" movies and TV shows than the sword and buckler combo. Rapier and its various partners (dagger, cloak, etc.) also tend to outshine the sword and buckler, even in films that would feature s&b perfectly. I would think that any period Shakespearean plays set to film would have them, but I have yet to see them. Do you, or any of my fellow sunscribers out there, know of any good depictions of sword and buckler on film?

@casperchristensen8354 5 жыл бұрын

N one come to mind.

@theghostly7 9 жыл бұрын

Hello, who made/sells that particular buckler? I like how small it is.

@AnkanBob 4 жыл бұрын

What about the board and shuckler

@austinwilkerson8323 10 жыл бұрын

How would heater and kite type shields fit into the medieval fencing/combat techniques? Were they separate, and now simply lacking any surviving manuals? Or was someone proficient with a buckler also able to wield larger, more "battlefield" oriented shields? Any input?

@HaNsWiDjAjA 8 жыл бұрын

There were no manuals on how earlier medieval shields like the kite shield were used - however as it is a strapped shield we could to an extent use later period rotella's manual for it as well. Its a bit different in its usage style than the buckler due to it being a strapped rather than center gripped shield, as well due to its much greater weight and coverage.

@Robert399 7 жыл бұрын

What were "billmen" called at the time?

@faramund9865 4 жыл бұрын

So what kind of armor would commoners wear in the 15th and 14th century? We all know the Gothic and Italian White Armor... But what did regular infantry wear? And what weapons did they use?

@luisgarayrojo441 7 жыл бұрын

hi. Can you tell me which ia the commercial brand of the longsword shown in this report? thanks man!

@a.d.9415 6 жыл бұрын

Albion Ringeck

@andreweden9405 5 жыл бұрын

Not to be pedantic, but I'd be just a little more careful not to confuse people by calling the longsword the "knightly sword" of its time. I can understand where you're coming from when referring to it as that, considering, as you said, the fact that the longsword was the primary sword covered in the Late Medieval combat treatises. However, this does not indicate that the longsword was "the" knightly sword. I have to say that that venerable title goes to the arming sword! In fact, not only was the arming sword the primary knightly sword, even during the service period of the longsword; "arming sword" and "knightly sword" are actually synonymous, and interchangeable as terms! Of course, I'm speaking in regards to our modern nomenclature. As you know, most swords were simply called "sword" in the period. Perhaps the most clarifying distinction to make between longsword and arming sword, is to acknowledge that the longsword was, for the most part, the sword that was EXCLUSIVELY available to, and marketed toward DUELING among the knightly class. However, just because the arming sword(aka knightly sword) was more widely available to all classes of folk in comparison to the longsword, doesn't mean that it still wasn't THE knightly sword... because it was! 😃

@BaldurWulf 10 жыл бұрын

I was wondering if left handed soldiers, or knights were forced to learn right handed techniques and footwork along with holding maybe a shield in the left hand and weapon in the right. Or could they just be true south paws? I cant find anything about it anywhere and I'm so curious!

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

Left handers are discussed in some renaissance fencing treatises, so presumably they were numerous enough to warrant consideration. I haven't seen any evidence for left handers being forced to do things right handed in the medieval or renaissance periods.

@BaldurWulf 10 жыл бұрын

scholagladiatoria Thanks for the reply. I look forward to your videos, keep up the great work!

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

Thiago Kurovski In one-on-one fencing, yes. Fighting in groups, not so much - it might even be a disadvantage and annoying for the people next to you!

@maaderllin 8 жыл бұрын

+scholagladiatoria There is mention in many ancient military treatises (like De Re Militari) that the left flank is always the first one being overrun by the enemy, since right handed persons are carrying their shield in the left hand and their weapon in the right one so they can't attack the people on their left very accurately. Is there any record of armies putting left handed people on the left flank of a shield formation?

@Robert399 8 жыл бұрын

When did longswords first become popular in Europe? I know the knightly use of longswords increased as armour became more developed but I don't really know when in that process they first started to appear and then when they really took over.

@HaNsWiDjAjA 8 жыл бұрын

It started to appear in art in the middle of the 13th century, and really came to the fore in the middle 14th century. By the time of the publication of Fiore's fencing manual (which was the first widely produced one in medieval europe) it was certainly already the main weapon of the knightly class.

@Robert399 8 жыл бұрын

John Huang Great, thanks.

@bansheemopar 10 жыл бұрын

The Messer was NOT used by the Nobility. It was a Weapon for the common peoples in Germany, because they were not allowed to carry double-edges weapons.

@HaNsWiDjAjA 10 жыл бұрын

Perhaps the messer was not a weapon used by the nobility (after we are talking of the German weapon here) but in other European countries the falchions and its other single edged brethren were used by high and low borns alike, although the orthodox double edgers were obviously more common.

@bansheemopar 10 жыл бұрын

I did not say anything about falchions, because I have not that geat a knowlodege on these. I only meant the Messer (or better "langes Messer", because Messer alone means only Knife in Germany), that was clearly a civil defense weapon for those not allowed to carry double edged weapons.

@themantheycallPibb 10 жыл бұрын

I have a question for you. I am looking to study sword and buckler, and I need your opinion on what is a good book to study from. I have been studying from Guy Windsor in long sword from the book 'the swordsmans companion 2013 edition', but he does not have a book on sword and buckler. If you could recommend a system, or better yet a specific modern published book I could purchase it would be much appreciated.

@geoffboxell3906 10 жыл бұрын

Go back to a translation of a period book as I have found modern books & videos of little use. Real sword & buckler fighting is down & dirty and involves chokes, trips and stomps as well as very offensive buckler use - all opf which is shewn in the period books.

@Vorpal_Wit 10 жыл бұрын

Geoff Boxell I would say that ALL real fighting involves chokes, trips, stomps, etc. Their is no monopoly of such tactics in S&B. As an example Fiore began his treatise teaching wrestling, and all his weapon instruction builds off of and includes the grappling and footwork established in the wrestling instruction.

@ScarabMonkey13 10 жыл бұрын

wiktenauer.com/wiki/Category:Sword_and_Buckler

@MisterDusterix 10 жыл бұрын

where could I buy that particular buckler? :p

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

It's not for sale.

@ZiePe 10 жыл бұрын

So, does that also mean that the longsword was umcommon amongst non-nobles? Would your regular men-at-arms use longswords? Were there any restrictions?

@ZiePe 10 жыл бұрын

***** okay, thanks.

@RVM451 10 жыл бұрын

Did anyone ever pair Long Sword and Buckler? .....RVM45

@TheDarkElfValenDreth 10 жыл бұрын

not unless they had 3 arms. the longsword is a 2 handed weapon.

@IanoftheGlen339 10 жыл бұрын

TheDarkElfValenDreth Actually it can be used with either two hands or a sword and shield style.

@burt2800 9 жыл бұрын

TheDarkElfValenDreth There's no law forbidding you to use a longsword two-handed. In fact it's usually called a one and a half-hand sword. Since longswords vary quite a lot in length and weight there will be some which you can use quite easily in one hand and other where you won't even wan't to think about it.

@Guafi777 9 жыл бұрын

what's "RVM45"?

@RVM451 9 жыл бұрын

Guafi777 My initials and a Favorite Caliber-chosen as easy to remember the first time that I needed an Online Handle. Somehow when I signed up for "U" Tube I included a gratuitous "1" that I was never able to delete. I'm nowhere near as active Online as I once was, but I always sign so that anyone who wonders will know that "RVM451" & "RVM45" are one and the same. …..RVM45

@blastoffintoinfinity 9 жыл бұрын

for shame any way, which is better... i think in certain situations height advantage would be better served with less "cutting 'or' piercing" blows. i guarantee i can more easily do more damage with a baseball bat than a sword depending on definition...? in a fight i see the point as "winning" the fight as most efficaciasosly as possible... least or no damage to yourself and the most upon the oponent? so yeah when anyone talks about styles that require "ambidexterity"... hmmm... maybe you might "win" lots of fights with the "off-hand" because the opponent anticipates, well etc. etc. so use the "traditional" parry hand as the offense vice versa etc.

@denesmiltenyi9508 8 жыл бұрын

Just one trought: Even when those books contained many pictures, they must also have lots of text in them. And who in medieval society could read at all. Not a "high" percentige, the members of the religius organisations and not even all nobles.

@lughfiregod16 10 жыл бұрын

Outside of the obvious lower weight what is the advantage of a buckler over a larger shield?

@MrLucasNess 10 жыл бұрын

well mostly things that relate to the size weight speed and, carrying it around while not in combat

@Glimmlampe1982 10 жыл бұрын

MrLucasNess +less obscured vision for the user

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

The primary advantage of the buckler is that you can hang it off your belt or sword hilt and wear it everywhere with the sword - much as with the rapier and dagger. People did not walk around in civilian life whilst doing their daily business with a shield hanging off them, because it would be a massive inconvenience and probably look very silly.

@awlach8 10 жыл бұрын

1360-1380? are you excluding the war sword from that category? I don't mean to haggle over terms, but did you mean they simply weren't popular until around this time or that long swords and war swords are separate categories?

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

Longswords were not really widespread/common until this time. Sure you see Type XII and XIII longswords in the 13th and early-14th centuries, but they appear to have been quite rare then. From around 1360 the longsword seems to have become one of the most common types of 'knightly' swords.

@UrielSemptim 10 жыл бұрын

I personally think that longsword is sword used in very short period, but also for very specific situations. Duels, sports. Never for urban self defence or warfare. Longsword is simply too long and big for everyday usage. German longsword should be long enought to reach fencers armpit. You simply can not walk around the town with such a big weapon. It is impractical. So the better and more common solution was messer, dagger or single hnaded sword. I do not agree with statement that longsword is weapon of knights or nobility. It is simply a weapon of rich people... I think.

@HaNsWiDjAjA 8 жыл бұрын

If you think that the longsword was far too long to be convenient as an urban self defense weapon, then what do you think of the rapier? Its the common gentleman's weapon from the 16th to the 17th century, and its blade length often exceeded that of the longsword! And compared to the number of people who carried swords around in the medieval period, the number of people who walked around 16th and 17th century european cities with rapiers on their belt was staggering! Besides you dont necessarily need to have the longsword hanging from your belt and bumping into every damn thing; another very common way to carry it was to simply carry it in your hand like a walking stick, which would be much more handy. And knights were definitely wealthy people by the time period we were talking about(mid 14th century onwards) - the proportion of knights within the nobility has declined a lot due to the rising cost of maintaining oneself as a knight, with many man opting to stay squires their whole life.

@HaNsWiDjAjA 8 жыл бұрын

Also, there were no question of the longsword being not suitable as a weapon of war. In fact for the context of fighting in full armour of the 14th and 15th century few swords were better designed; because shields has largely dissapeared a sword should be able to be used in two hands, and yet still be light and short enough to be worn on the hips since its still after all a sidearm. Its heavier construction made for a stiffer blade that could pierce mail and padding better, and batter plate armour better. In a cavalry context its longer blade give it greater reach for reaching an infantrymen crouching on the ground. Really, whats not to like.

@andywilson8698 6 жыл бұрын

I agree ,the common people that had to work and get around and do things for a living preferred the messer or single hand sword. Where the nobility who had to do much less grunt work didn't mind inconvenience in length and practically as much , cuz they had other to do that work for them most the time.

@flagkdsa180 10 жыл бұрын

where's the 2-handed sword video!?!?!?!?!?!?!??! i want to see the zweihander!

@harjutapa 10 жыл бұрын

I know it's been stated elsewhere, but what is that weapon model called? I'm assuming it's an Albion...

@harjutapa 10 жыл бұрын

Referring to the longsword, I mean.

@NonApplicable1983 10 жыл бұрын

Albion Ringneck

@harjutapa 10 жыл бұрын

Rodrigo Ugarte Thank you.

@bobmilaplace3816 10 жыл бұрын

Is the rapier and buckler anachronistic or is that combo used? I've heard of both sword and buckler; along with rapier and dagger but not rapier and buckler.

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

It was used, though the dagger is able to deal with thrusts better, which is probably one of the reasons why it became more popular for use with and against the rapier.

@Vorpal_Wit 10 жыл бұрын

I've always felt there was an inverse relationship between the emphasis of thrust in any particular time/region, and the use of the buckler. Where and when cuts are the fashion, the buckler comes into its own - and the opposite is true...IMO.

@JeonTTank 10 жыл бұрын

I guess it is largely affiliated with the development of armor. Heavy knight armors of later period would be quite effective in defending against missile weapons, and the user wouldn't have to be relying on shield for protection. My question is, isn't using longsword puts you in a disadvantageous position when fighting against someone with sword and a shield(not necessarily a buckler)? I'm not an expert, but I was just curious......

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

I personally think that sword and shield is more effective than longsword, however, if you have plate armour then there is no point really using a shield, so you may as well devote both hands to a two-handed weapon. And in civilian life you can wear a longsword easily - you cannot wear a shield and carry on your daily business.

@JeonTTank 10 жыл бұрын

Agreed, I always thought that in a fight between unarmored combatants sword and shield has better odds. Thx for the reply

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

Jaisung Huh Yes, in my view that is correct. And that is the main reason why sword and shield was the most common sword combo for thousands of years until full plate armour came along.

@JamesPawson 10 жыл бұрын

So I guess I won't find historical treatise for training with falchion...?

@JamesPawson 10 жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks-- alas, there's no good HEMA club around me anyhow. One day, one day...

@almusquotch9872 8 жыл бұрын

Was the longsword ever contemporary with back swords?

@scholagladiatoria 8 жыл бұрын

+Almus Quotch They had a small overlap in the middle of the 16th century, yes, but by that point the longsword had a more complex and protective hand guard usually.

@godofimagination 10 жыл бұрын

What were the billmen called at the time?

@scholagladiatoria 10 жыл бұрын

A good question and very difficult to answer! The bill was called a bill in the 15thC and it appears in lots of English records of the 15th and 16th centuries. But there was not one specific troop type who carried only bills. There were various kinds of infantry, some more heavily or lightly armoured, who carried a mixture of pole weapons. The bill was particularly popular in England and Italy though. Most records just record that generic infantry as 'footmen' or 'soldiers'. They are rarely any more specific than that. Sometime the term 'men-at-arms' is used, but that could mean anything from a lightly armoured spearman, to a fully armoured 'knight'. Medieval and early Renaissance records weren't as bothered about giving everything specific names and categories like we are now. We get that from the Victorians.

@godofimagination 10 жыл бұрын

scholagladiatoria ...Who managed to screw everything up too. lol.

@nutyyyy 10 жыл бұрын

I imagine they may have just been referred to as foot or infantry, without actually specifying they used bills.

@dronillon2578 5 жыл бұрын

Future video: 02:15

@JeppeESR 10 жыл бұрын

can you talk more about shields you just mention the buckler just about the different in fighting style whit small medium and big shields and the different in only holding the shild whit the hand like a buckler and holding it whit the entire forearm like a kitehild

@Haszczu87 10 жыл бұрын

I don't really get the point of buckler. I mean - I agree that it was perfect for longbowmen but what about common soldier at first lane? I just practiced fight with a buckler few days ago and IMO it wasn't positive, my wrist hurt to this day. I feel much more save behind huge ;)

@Nazdreg1 10 жыл бұрын

Well it depends whether you talk about battle or 1 on 1 fighting. In battle a large shield is the better choice because it offers better protection from missiles, which dont appear during a duel situation. In a duel you have a very agile parrying tool in a buckler, which can be used offensively as well (in combination with a dagger). You have to use it proactively of course and not as "stay and pray"-ish as a large shield which is also very heavy. Look for sparring videos on sword and buckler or razmafzan (persian martial arts with shamshir and separ (essentially a buckler)).

@deepsouthredneck1 10 жыл бұрын

Nazdreg1 I prefer a medium-ish shield in a 1 on 1 fight over a buckler so I think it largely comes down to personal preference, and fighting style.

@HaNsWiDjAjA 10 жыл бұрын

Haszczu87 Well you are actually correct, I didnt think there was any documented evidence of the sword and buckler being a front line weapon, they were always considered a sidearm for personal defense. The main weapon in Medieval Europe was always some sort of polearm or missile weapon. The Spanish rodelero were often translated simply as "sword-and-buckler-men", but the rotella shield that they used were actually medium sized shield about two feet in diameter, whose handling was quite different to the buckler. Even then the rodelero were rarely used in the front line; rather they fought in rough terrains, in storming of fortifications, or they operate against the flanks or disorganized masses of polearm armed troops. When sword and buckler faced off against polearm wielders in organized lines, the result was generally similar to what happened at Flodden.

@geoffboxell3906 10 жыл бұрын

I re-enact as a 14thC English archer. My side weapons are sword & buckler. In use I find the buckler a very good weapon of offence as well as defence. Certainly as an archer I could not carry a big or even medium-ish shield. The buckler hangs off the sword, which is on the opposite side to my arrow bag. A buckler is light to carry & use and very flexible when fighting.

@skipperg4436 8 жыл бұрын

Why would soldier prefer to use sword instead of halberd, spear or mace?

@HaloDrwhoSG1SGASGU 8 жыл бұрын

In a nutshell? Versatility and ease of carry. most European styled swords, such as the arming sword, long-sword, messer and later things like rapiers and side-swords. the majority of these possessed the ability to at least: stab, slash, cut and depending on the specific blade type like longsword, Half-Sword to deal with armour. And the majority of these blades can be holstered at the hip when not in combat and be easily carried around while you go about daily life on campaign without it getting in the way. pretty useful in close quarters too since you can cut-and-thrust with a respectable amount of precision with most of these. Halberds and spears are both quite a bit larger and difficult to carry around in regular life, and are a bit more limited in versatility in comparison, fantastic in combat with your friends and allies around you, but not all that great in close quarters (that's not to say that they are useless in CQC). and maces are more or less for dealing with armour and not much else and can get quite heavy comparatively.

@skipperg4436 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks, that is interesting to know

@danlorett2184 8 жыл бұрын

Because it's way easier to carry a sword and buckler rather than a much bigger weapon.

@dave997 10 жыл бұрын

i cant imagine trying to block a sword swipe with that little buckler, i wonder how many arms got chopped off by people trying to use that thing

@yoursexualizedgrandparents6929 3 жыл бұрын

I like how this has 1k likes and 5 dislikes, and it's very likely the dislikes are for a genuine reason too.

@randelldarky3920 4 жыл бұрын

I like the Sword and Buckler, until You have an Archer who hates You.

@Psiberzerker 7 жыл бұрын

There's also a lot of Teaching Bias here. There's more to learn with Longsword (At the time) so the instruction for it was a lot more indepth. So, this may skew the commonality in the surviving record, while there's no treatice for the Cinquedea, because you basically can't stab with it. It's a sword for a knife fight, so they didn't have fencing schools with manuals on how to use them.

@jreaganmorganchannel 10 жыл бұрын

I hear the longsword also referred to as a "hand-and-a-half" or "bastard sword," although any discussion I see of it focuses on two handed use. I guess it was truly meant to be used two handed, and could be used with one hand if the other was injured? At any rate, I've not heard mention of use of a longsword with a shield.

@joolsgrommers1466 9 жыл бұрын

Fiore talks a lot about "sword in one hand" and the plates show swords that can be held in both hands. Check his work out. :)

@cultofmalgus1310 9 жыл бұрын

how practical was a buckler really? A shield the size of a dinner plate? Surely something that could cover more of you body would be more desirable.

@gurkfisk89 9 жыл бұрын

Darth Malak In a fight? A larger shield would probably be much better. The main advantage of the buckler is that it's easy to carry. If you are going to carry a shield everyday for self defence, having a bigger shield would just be too much of a pain in the ass. Similar, if you are an archer and want to carry a shield because you might have to fight at close range, then you also might go for a small buckler. It might not be as good as a larger shield but it's better than nothing and you already have a lot of other equiptment to carry. Most of the time you are not using a weapon, you are just carrying a weapon.

@AlexPanther 9 жыл бұрын

NERD IT UP I am training sword and buckler now for round about 5 months. i also had the opportunity to try out viking sword and shield under instruktion of Roland Warczecha. my personal impression ist, that both have their benifits. in the end everything comes up to the context. "large" shields are mostly wepons of war, while bucklers are (mostly)civil weapons. yes, a large shield cover more body with less movement but it weighs also way (!!!) more. but you can say that for a beginner it is easier to cover your body with a grate round than with a bucker. the buckler requires some technique to be effektiv. a week ago i had the opportunity to spar with someone who where using a blunt katana (and who was traind with it). Even if im still a beginner, i coud keep up qiet good, so we where nearly equal. i would say that S+B is highly efektiv - depending on context.

@RetroCruze 8 жыл бұрын

+Asgrimm Bernardson I'm sorry but your spelling pained me inside so many times