After we've discussed it, let's find out something closer to reality.
Thanks to the efforts of popular culture, the most incredible rumors always swirl around two-handed swords of the Middle Ages. Look at any art picture of a knight or a Hollywood film about those times. All the main characters have a huge sword, reaching almost to their chest. Some endow weapons with a weight of pounds, others with incredible dimensions and the ability to cut a knight in half, and still others even argue that swords of such sizes could not exist as military weapons.
Claymore
Claymore (claymore, claymore, claymore, from the Gaulish claidheamh-mòr - “big sword”) - two-handed sword, which has become widespread among Scottish Highlanders starting from the end of the 14th century. Being the main weapon of infantrymen, the claymore was actively used in skirmishes between tribes or border battles with the British.
Claymore is the smallest among all its brothers. This, however, does not mean that the weapon is small: the average length of the blade is 105-110 cm, and together with the handle the sword reached 150 cm. distinctive feature there was a characteristic bend in the arms of the cross - downwards, towards the tip of the blade. This design made it possible to effectively capture and literally pull out anything from the enemy’s hands. long weapon. In addition, the decoration of the horns - pierced in the shape of a stylized four-leaf clover - became distinctive sign, by which everyone easily recognized the weapon.
In terms of size and effectiveness, the claymore was perhaps the most the best option among all two-handed swords. It was not specialized, and therefore was used quite effectively in any combat situation.
Zweihander
The Zweihander (German: Zweihänder or Bidenhänder/Bihänder, “two-handed sword”) is a weapon of a special unit of landsknechts who are on double pay (doppelsoldners). If the claymore is the most modest sword, then the zweihander was indeed impressive in size and in rare cases reached two meters in length, including the hilt. In addition, it was notable for its double guard, where special “boar tusks” separated the unsharpened part of the blade (ricasso) from the sharpened part.
Such a sword was a weapon of very narrow use. The fighting technique was quite dangerous: the owner of the zweihander acted in the front ranks, pushing away with a lever (or even completely cutting) the shafts of enemy pikes and spears. To own this monster required not only remarkable strength and courage, but also significant swordsmanship, so the mercenaries did not receive double pay for beautiful eyes. The technique of fighting with two-handed swords bears little resemblance to conventional blade fencing: such a sword is much easier to compare with a reed. Of course, the zweihander did not have a sheath - it was worn on the shoulder like an oar or spear.
Flamberge
Flamberge ("flaming sword") is a natural evolution of the ordinary straight sword. The curvature of the blade made it possible to increase the lethality of the weapon, but in the case of large swords, the blade was too massive, fragile and still could not penetrate high-quality armor. In addition, the Western European school of fencing suggests using the sword mainly as piercing weapon, and therefore, curved blades were not suitable for her.
By the 14th-16th centuries, advances in metallurgy led to the fact that the chopping sword became practically useless on the battlefield - it simply could not penetrate armor made of hardened steel with one or two blows, which played a critical role in mass battles. Gunsmiths began to actively look for a way out of this situation, until they finally came to the concept of a wave blade, which has a series of successive anti-phase bends. Such swords were difficult to manufacture and expensive, but the effectiveness of the sword was undeniable. Due to a significant reduction in the area of the damaging surface, upon contact with the target, the destructive effect was increased many times over. In addition, the blade acted like a saw, cutting the affected surface.
The wounds inflicted by the flamberge did not heal for a very long time. Some generals sentenced captured swordsmen to death solely for wearing similar weapons. Catholic Church She also cursed such swords and branded them as inhumane weapons.
Slasher
Espadon (French espadon from Spanish espada - sword) is a classic type two-handed sword with a tetrahedral cross-section of the blade. Its length reached 1.8 meters, and the guard consisted of two massive arches. The center of gravity of the weapon often shifted to the tip - this increased the penetrating ability of the sword.
In battle, such weapons were used by unique warriors who usually had no other specialization. Their task was to, waving huge blades, destroy the enemy’s battle formation, overturn the first ranks of the enemy and pave the way for the rest of the army. Sometimes these swords were used in battles with cavalry - due to the size and weight of the blade, the weapon made it possible to very effectively chop the legs of horses and cut through the armor of heavy infantry.
Most often, the weight of military weapons ranged from 3 to 5 kg, and heavier examples were awarded or ceremonial. Sometimes weighted replicas of combat blades were used for training purposes.
Estoc
Estoc (French estoc) is a two-handed piercing weapon designed to pierce knightly armor. A long (up to 1.3 meters) tetrahedral blade usually had a stiffening rib. If previous swords were used as a means of countermeasures against cavalry, then the estok, on the contrary, was the weapon of the horseman. Riders wore it with right side from the saddle, so that in case of loss of the peaks you have additional remedy self-defense. In horse fighting, the sword was held with one hand, and the blow was delivered due to the speed and mass of the horse. In a foot skirmish, the warrior took it in two hands, compensating for the lack of mass own strength. Some examples of the 16th century have a complex guard, like a sword, but most often there was no need for it.
Now let's look at the largest combat two-handed sword.
Supposedly this sword belonged to the rebel and pirate Pierre Gerlofs Donia known as "Big Pierre", who, according to legend, could cut off several heads at once, and he also bent coins using his thumb, index and middle fingers.
According to legend, this sword was brought to Friesland by the German Landsknechts; it was used as a banner (was not a battle one); captured by Pierre, this sword began to be used as a battle sword
Pier Gerlofs Donia (W. Frisian. Grutte Pier, approximately 1480, Kimsvärd - October 18, 1520, Sneek) - Frisian pirate and independence fighter. Descendant of the famous Frisian leader Haring Harinxma (Haring Harinxma, 1323–1404).
Son of Pier Gerlofs Donia and Frisian noblewoman Fokel Sybrants Bonga. He was married to Rintsje or Rintze Syrtsema, and had from her a son, Gerlof, and a daughter, Wobbel, born in 1510.
On January 29, 1515, his court was destroyed and burned by soldiers from the Black Band, landsknechts of the Saxon Duke George the Bearded, and Rintze was raped and killed. Hatred of his wife's murderers prompted Pierre to take part in the Gueldern War against the powerful Habsburgs, on the side of the Gueldern Duke Charles II (1492-1538) of the Egmont dynasty. He entered into an agreement with the Duchy of Geldern and became a pirate.
The ships of his flotilla "Arumer Zwarte Hoop" dominated the Zuiderzee, causing enormous damage to Dutch and Burgundian shipping. After the capture of 28 Dutch ships, Pierre Gerlofs Donia (Grutte Pier) solemnly declared himself “King of Frisia” and set a course for the liberation and unification of his native country. However, after he noticed that the Duke of Geldern did not intend to support him in the war of independence, Pierre terminated the treaty of alliance and resigned in 1519. On October 18, 1520, he died in Grootsand, a suburb of the Frisian city of Sneek. Buried on the north side of the Great Sneek Church (built in the 15th century)
Here it is necessary to make a remark that the weight of 6.6 is abnormal for a combat two-handed sword. A significant number of them vary in weight around 3-4 kg.
sources
Despite its size, weight and clumsiness, the two-handed sword was widely used in battles in the Middle Ages. The blade usually had a length of more than 1 m. Such weapons are characterized by a handle over 25 cm with a pommel and a massive elongated crosshair. Total weight with a handle averaged 2.5 kg. Only strong warriors could cut with such weapons.
Two-handed swords in history
Large blades appeared relatively late in the history of medieval warfare. In the practice of battles, an indispensable attribute of a warrior was to have a shield in one hand for protection, and with the other he could cut with a sword. With the advent of armor and the beginning of progress in metallurgical casting, long blades with a handle for gripping with two hands began to gain popularity.
Such a weapon was expensive pleasure. Well-paid mercenaries or bodyguards of the nobility could afford it. The owner of a two-handed sword had to not only have strength in his hands, but also be able to handle it. The pinnacle of skill of a knight or warrior in security service was thorough mastery of such weapons. Fencing masters constantly honed the technique of wielding two-handed swords and passed on their experience to the elite class.
Purpose
The two-handed sword, whose weight was over 3-4 kg, could only be used in battle by strong and tall warriors. They were put on the front line at a certain point. They could not constantly be in the rearguard, since with the rapid convergence of the sides and the compaction of the human mass in hand-to-hand combat, there was not enough free space for maneuver and swings.
To deliver slashing blows, such weapons must be perfectly balanced. Two-handed swords could be used in close combat to punch holes in the enemy’s dense defenses or to repel the advance of tightly closed ranks of dive bombers and halberdiers. Long blades were used to cut down their shafts and thus enable lightly armed infantry to get closer to the enemy ranks.
In the fight on open area the two-handed sword was used for slashing blows and for piercing armor with a thrust using a long lunge. The crosshair often served as an additional side point and was used in close combat for short blows to the face and unprotected neck of the enemy.
Design Features
A sword is a melee weapon with a double-sharpened blade and a sharp end. The classic blade with a two-handed grip - espadon ("big sword") - is distinguished by the presence of an unsharpened section of the blade (ricasso) at the crosshair. This was done so that the sword could be intercepted with the other hand to facilitate the swing. Often this section (up to a third of the length of the blade) was, in addition, covered with leather for convenience and had an additional crosshair to protect the hand from blows. Two-handed swords were not equipped with sheaths. They were not needed, since the blade was worn on the shoulder; it could not be attached to the belt due to its weight and dimensions.
Another, no less popular two-handed sword, the claymore, whose homeland is Scotland, did not have a pronounced ricasso. Warriors wielded such weapons with a two-handed grip on the handle. The crosshair (guard) was forged by craftsmen not straight, but at an angle to the blade.
A rare sword with a wavy blade - a flamberge - did not differ significantly in characteristics. It cut no better than ordinary straight blades, although it had a bright and memorable appearance.
Record-breaking sword
The largest combat two-handed sword that has survived to this day and is available for viewing is in a Dutch museum. It was presumably made in the 15th century by German craftsmen. With a total length of 215 cm, the giant weighs 6.6 kg. Its oak handle is covered with a single piece of goatskin leather. This two-handed sword (see photo below), according to legend, was captured from German landsknechts. They used it as a relic for ceremonies and did not use it in battle. The blade of the sword bears the Inri mark.
According to the same legend, it was later captured by rebels, and it went to a pirate nicknamed Big Pierre. Due to his physique and strength, he used the sword for its intended purpose and was allegedly able to cut off several heads with one blow.
Combat and ceremonial blades
The weight of a sword of 5-6 kg or more indicates, rather, its ritual purpose rather than its use for combat battles. Such weapons were used in parades, during initiations, and were presented as gifts to decorate the walls in the chambers of nobles. Simple-to-use swords could also be used by fencing mentors to practice hand strength and blade technique when training warriors.
A real combat two-handed sword rarely reached a weight of 3.5 kg with a total length of up to 1.8 m. The handle accounted for up to 50 cm. It was supposed to serve as a balancer in order to balance the overall structure as much as possible.
Ideal blades, even with a considerable weight, lay in the hands of more than just a metal blank. With such a weapon, with sufficient skill and constant practice, it was possible to easily chop off heads at a decent distance. At the same time, the weight of the blade in its various positions was felt and felt by the hand almost the same.
Real combat samples of two-handed swords stored in collections and museums with a blade length of 1.2 m and a width of 50 mm weigh 2.5-3 kg. For comparison: one-handed samples reached up to 1.5 kg. Transitional blades with a handle of one and a half grips could weigh 1.7-2 kg.
National two-handed swords
Among peoples of Slavic origin, a sword is understood as a double-edged blade. In Japanese culture, a sword is a cutting blade with a curved profile and one-sided sharpening, held by a hilt with protection from an oncoming blow.
The most famous sword in Japan is the katana. This weapon is intended for close combat, has a handle (30 cm) for gripping with both hands and a blade up to 90 cm. In one of the temples there is a large two-handed no-tachi sword 2.25 m long with a handle of 50 cm. With such a blade you can cut a person in half with one blow or stop a galloping horse.
The Chinese Dadao sword had a wider blade. It, like Japanese blades, had a curved profile and one-sided sharpening. They wore weapons in sheaths behind their backs on a garter. Massive chinese sword, two-handed or one-handed, was widely used by soldiers in World War II. When there was not enough ammunition, the red units launched a hand-to-hand attack with these weapons and often achieved success in close combat.
Two-handed sword: advantages and disadvantages
The disadvantages of using long and heavy swords are low maneuverability and the inability to fight with constant dynamics, since the weight of the weapon significantly affects endurance. A two-handed grip eliminates the possibility of using a shield to protect against oncoming blows.
A two-handed sword is good in defense because it can cover more sectors with great efficiency. In an attack, you can inflict damage on the enemy from the maximum possible distance. The weight of the blade allows you to deliver a powerful cutting blow, which is often impossible to parry.
The reason why the two-handed sword was not widely used was irrationality. Despite the obvious increase in the power of the chopping blow (twofold), the significant mass of the blade and its dimensions led to an increase in energy expenditure (fourfold) during the fight.
Defender of the Fatherland is a title for all times. But over the centuries, the conditions of service have changed dramatically, and the speed in battle is different, and the weapons are different. But how has the equipment of fighters changed over hundreds of years? Komsomolskaya Pravda found out how a knight defended himself from weapons of the 14th century, and what a modern special forces soldier looks like.
Knight, XIV century:
Helmet Weight – 3.5 kg. The interior is upholstered with quilted fabric, 2.5 mm thick iron can withstand swipe with an ax or sword, although small dents remain. Physics and geometry were not taught to medieval knights, so they came to the ideal shape of a helmet - a pointed one - through experience, in battles...
Chainmail The weight of the woven “rings” is not weak - from 10 kg, they protected from chopping blows. A quilted jacket and trousers are worn under the armor, which soften the blow (3.5 kg).
Gaiters, knee pads, leggings - for the lower leg. Weight - 7 kg. Steel leg protection from sword strikes was unpopular among Russian soldiers. It was believed that the iron plates only got in the way, and the feet were wearing comfortable high leather boots, the predecessors of modern kirzachs.
Brigandine Weight – 7 kg. Something like a medieval body armor: steel plates sewn overlapping onto the fabric from the inside perfectly protected the chest and back from the blows of any weapon; it was worn over chain mail. The first bulletproof vests were improved “brigandines”!
SwordWeight – 1.5 kg. Mutually imprisoned, he was powerful weapon in the hands of the medieval defender of the Fatherland.
Shield Weight – 3 kg. It was made of wood, glued together from thin planks in several layers, and covered with leather on top. In one battle, such a shield was smashed to pieces, but it is much lighter than an iron one!
Total 35.5 kg
Knight XXI century
The cost of full knightly equipment now is at least 40 thousand rubles. Those who are interested in historical reconstructions have cut their teeth on its production.
Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM) Weight – 3.5 kg. So far nothing better than our “Kalash” has been invented in the whole world! Can be sewn easily by anyone knight's armor, and right through! A magazine of 30 bullets will be released in just 3 seconds.
"Sfera-S" - special steel helmetWeight - 3.5 kg. It is made of titanium plates, but will only withstand a bullet from a pistol, and of course it is not afraid of any blow.
Body armor Corundum (+kivlar collar) Weight is not for weaklings - as much as 10 kg! Plates made of special armor steel sewn into the body armor protect against fragments of mines and bullets from the Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM). Kivlar is a special multi-layer fabric, something like nylon, that stops bullets, but... will not save you from being hit by a knife or stiletto. It will save your life, but with a direct hit from a bullet, even a strong fighter will be knocked off his feet. It will withstand a sword blow with flying colors.
Armor shield Weight – 10 kg. Two titanium plates are welded at an angle. It saves you from any weapon, but with a direct hit from a bullet, the impact force is so great that it can break your arm. And if hit by a machine gun, the fighter is knocked off his feet.
Tactical sneakers Weight - up to 3 kg per pair. The special forces prefer them to the "berets". These sneakers have a slightly higher boot, an iron nose protects your fingers from objects falling from above, and the sole is made of special soft rubber, which allows you to move easily and silently.
AmmunitionWeight - 9 kg (12 magazines of 500 grams each + 4 grenades of 800 grams each) - the entire ammunition supply is attached to the belt.
Total 39 kg
The cost of a full ammunition load is about 60 thousand rubles. And if you provide maximum protection - helmet-mask 4 kg, body armor 15 kg, steel shield fence 27 kg, Stechkin automatic pistol - 1.5 kg, combat boots, knee pads - 5 kg, ammunition – 9 kg, total – 61.5 kg! Thank you for your help in preparing the material from the teacher Training center Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ivan Pystin and the head of the historical and reconstruction club “Krechet” Vladimir Anikienko.
ItsElf 05.13.2004 - 14:03
Good afternoon
I mainly find information on the internet about maximum weight 5-6 kg, sometimes 8 kg
according to other information, the weight of swords reached 16-30 kg
what's true? is there any confirmation?
thank you in advance!
Jerreth 05/13/2004 - 16:50
On the Internet I mainly find information about the maximum weight of 5-6 kg, sometimes 8 kg is foundCOMBAT two-handed swords weighed around 3.5-6 kg. The heaviest sword, 7.9 kg from Switzerland (it seems), after a detailed close-up study, looks much more like a training projectile than a blade intended for chopping.
according to other information, the weight of the swords reached 16-30 kg
Indeed, in the Middle Ages there were very real 15-25 kg swords, outwardly more or less a copy of combat swords, with a thicker profile, sometimes filled with lead - the so-called “wall-mounted”. For every baron had to have a weapons gallery on the wall of the central hall, but so that the guests who became unruly at the feast did not tear these collection items off the wall and commit murder, they were specially made by weight like two large crowbars. From the series, if someone picks it, put it right away. Fantasy replicas, in short, plus a relaxed demonstration of weapon skill.
From the same opera - a set of full armor of “children’s” sizes, although this one has an additional purpose, to accustom the baron’s child to armor before he grows up to adulthood.
ItsElf 05.13.2004 - 18:12
thanks Jerreth
apsara 05/14/2004 - 01:08
/Indeed, in the Middle Ages there were very real 15-25 kg swords, outwardly more or less a copy of combat ones, with a thickened profile, sometimes filled with lead - the so-called “wall” ones./
If it's not a secret, where does this information come from? Too luxurious for the Middle Ages... Maybe later imitations? In general, they use two-handed weapons to chop for hours only in films; they could deliver several blows to cut through a formation, say, and that’s all.
Strelok13 05/14/2004 - 01:30
When you mention a two-handed sword, you immediately see Rutger Hauer in the movie Flesh and Blood, with a long flamberge on his shoulder. In general, in the museum on Poklonnaya Hill, above the stairs, is displayed trimmed with gold and precious stones, but otherwise it seems quite steel sword weighing about fifty, probably kilograms. It was handed over to the museum by President B.N. Yeltsin, it is unknown whether Boris Nikolayevich used it in battles before he gave it to the museum or not, but even if it was simply dropped on the enemy’s leg, it, that is, the sword, is undoubtedly capable of causing severe injury.
Dang 05/14/2004 - 11:43
He played tennis for them.
GaiduK 05/18/2004 - 08:50
Hello!
In Warsaw I saw (museum of the Polish army) an original two-handed weapon, I think from the beginning of the 15th century - 16kg, looking at it for a long time I could not understand how to take it in my hands (the thickness of the handle is at least 45mm) so I think it is something like decorative.
There I also had to hold in my hands a pretty good replica of a flamberge - 3100g,
The replica was made by the British brothers based on the original (that’s what they said, and I have no reason not to believe them).
In my opinion, it’s better to kill a sword heavier than 5 kg at home. 😀
Chef 05/18/2004 - 10:41
In France, at a medieval festival, I had the opportunity to observe a local historical reconstruction club in action. Among other things, they demonstrated fencing techniques with a two-handed sword. I'm not a big expert in the field of edged weapons, but the difference from fighting with conventional swords was noticeable. First of all, the fact that the sword in two hands also served as a shield. Placed vertically with its tip into the ground, it made it possible to parry slashing blows from the side and from below. As the participants later explained to me, two-handed swords were mainly used in battles between heavily armed opponents (knights in armor), but even among knights, not everyone could wield them due to heavy weight. They gave me to hold the sword that they had used in the duel five minutes before. It weighed 8-10 kg and, as I was told, was an exact copy of the museum sword.
Jerreth 05/18/2004 - 12:14
They gave me to hold the sword that they had used in the duel five minutes before. It weighed 8-10 kg and, as I was told, was an exact copy of the museum sword.http://www.claudiospage.com/Graphics/Weapons/Zweihandschwert_1500.jpg
Italy, approx. 1500 17 cm blade width! We've never fought like this in our lives. But he is very real.
GaiduK 05/18/2004 - 19:38
"Reconstruction tournaments" vav....
Corporal 05/18/2004 - 20:13
Jerreth
Firstly, TOURNAMENT swords are not combat swords, they are a little heavier (or not a little) - just like the current “stuff” that they use at iron reenactment buhurt tournaments. Secondly, museums are full of completely real “decorative” weapons. Here, for example: http://www.claudiospage.com/Graphics/Weapons/Zweihandschwert_1500.jpg
Italy, approx. 1500 17 cm blade width! We've never fought like this in our lives. But he is very real.
Hello. As far as I remember, this example of a “sword” was once called the “Boar Sword”, well, at least it is very similar in shape, and accordingly it was used in hunting...
Regarding the weight of 8 kg or more, gentlemen, you won’t be enough for 5 minutes of battle, but to make such a sword so that the “bro” would come out and scream loudly and then, swinging several times, heroically die, expensive fun. 😀
I think the drabants and flamberges lived even longer, but not everyone will be allowed in, and not everyone will go. And Rudger H. in the film “Blood and Flesh” (as I understand it) meant by his persona a “drabant”, and he walked around with a two-handed weapon.
Jerreth 05/19/2004 - 12:15
http://www.armor.com/2000/catalog/item918gall.html
Here is a real "boar" (hunting) sword. A characteristic, but completely different form, although it is also two-handed.
And Hauer also ran with a two-handed weapon in “Lady Hawk”, but there was a normal knightly greatsword there.
Corporal 06/07/2004 - 04:01
No....well, people, you really need to figure out what we're talking about....."the weight of a two-handed weapon." As I understand it, some have seen this miracle in museums, some have held it in their hands, and some have delved into knowledge on this topic while lying on the couch, and of course there will be someone here who was able to “try out” this invention.
Even if you are at least three times hefty and fat, why would you need a sharpened crowbar in battle???????????????if you can make it lighter and more convenient and, most importantly, more effective.
And what difference does it make later whether you drive your enemy headlong into the ground or cut him in half.........
Best regards Corp...
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Its parameters: 2.15 meters (7 feet) long sword; weight 6.6 kg.
Kept in the museum of the city of Frisia, the Netherlands.
Manufacturer: Germany, 15th century.
The handle is made from oak wood and covered with a single piece of goatskin taken from the leg, meaning there is no seam.
The blade is marked "Inri" (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews).
Supposedly this sword belonged to the rebel and pirate Pierre Gerlofs Donia known as "Big Pierre", who, according to legend, could cut off several heads at once, and he also bent coins using his thumb, index and middle fingers.
According to legend, this sword was brought to Friesland by the German Landsknechts; it was used as a banner (it was not a battle one); captured by Pierre, this sword began to be used as a battle sword.
Brief biography of Big Pierre
Pier Gerlofs Donia (W. Frisian. Grutte Pier, approximately 1480, Kimsvärd - October 18, 1520, Sneek) - Frisian pirate and independence fighter. Descendant of the famous Frisian leader Haring Harinxma (Haring Harinxma, 1323–1404).
Son of Pier Gerlofs Donia and Frisian noblewoman Fokel Sybrants Bonga. He was married to Rintsje or Rintze Syrtsema, and had from her a son, Gerlof, and a daughter, Wobbel, born in 1510.
On January 29, 1515, his court was destroyed and burned by soldiers from the Black Band, landsknechts of the Saxon Duke George the Bearded, and Rintze was raped and killed. Hatred of his wife's murderers prompted Pierre to take part in the Gueldern War against the powerful Habsburgs, on the side of the Gueldern Duke Charles II (1492-1538) of the Egmont dynasty. He entered into an agreement with the Duchy of Geldern and became a pirate.
Quote: historian and literary critic Conrad Busken Huet described the personality of the legendary Donia this way
Huge, dark-faced, broad-shouldered, with a long beard and an innate sense of humor, Big Pierre, who, under the pressure of circumstances, became a pirate and freedom fighter!
The ships of his flotilla "Arumer Zwarte Hoop" dominated the Zuiderzee, causing enormous damage to Dutch and Burgundian shipping. After the capture of 28 Dutch ships, Pierre Gerlofs Donia (Grutte Pier) solemnly declared himself “King of Frisia” and set a course for the liberation and unification of his native country. However, after he noticed that the Duke of Geldern did not intend to support him in the war of independence, Pierre terminated the treaty of alliance and resigned in 1519. On October 18, 1520, he died in Grootsand, a suburb of the Frisian city of Sneek. Buried on the north side of the Great Sneek Church (built in the 15th century)
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Help on two-handed swords
Here it is necessary to make a remark that the weight of 6.6 is abnormal for a combat two-handed sword. A significant number of them vary in weight around 3-4 kg.
Spadon, bidenhänder, zweihänder, two-handed sword... Two-handed swords occupy a special place among other types of bladed weapons. They have always been “exotic” to some extent, possessing their own magic and mystery. This is probably why the owners of the “two-handers” stand out from the background of the other heroes - the nobleman Podbipyatka (“With Fire and Sword” by Sienkiewicz), or, say, Baron Pampa (“It’s Hard to Be a God” by the Strugatskys). Such swords are a decoration for any modern museum. Therefore, the appearance of a two-handed sword in the 16th century. with the mark of Toledo masters (the Latin letter “T” in an oval) in the Museum of the History of Weapons (Zaporozhye), became a real sensation. What is a two-handed sword, how does it differ from its other brothers, for example, one-and-a-half-handed swords? In Europe, a two-handed weapon is traditionally called a bladed weapon whose total length exceeds 5 feet (approximately 150 cm). Indeed, the total length of the samples that have come down to us varies between 150-200 cm (on average 170-180 cm), with the handle accounting for 40-50 cm. Based on this, the length of the blade itself reaches 100-150 cm (on average 130-180 cm). 140), and the width is 40-60 mm. The weight of the weapon, contrary to popular belief, is relatively small - from a little to five kilograms, on average - 3-4 kg. The sword shown on the right from the collection of the Museum of the History of Weapons has more than modest tactical and technical characteristics. So, with a total length of 1603 mm, the length and width of the blade, respectively, 1184 and 46 mm, it weighs “only” 2.8 kg. Of course, there are huge ones weighing 5, 7 and even 8 kg and a length of more than 2 m. For example, K. Asmolov in his work “History of Edged Weapons” indicates that the English cavalry sword “slasher” (slasher, hard) had exactly these characteristics sword). However, most researchers are inclined to believe that these are, after all, late ceremonial, interior, and simply training specimens.
Scientists do not have a consensus on the date of the appearance of the two-handed sword in Europe. Many are inclined to assume that the prototype of the “two-handed sword” was a Swiss infantry sword of the 14th century. Both W. Beheim and, later, E. Wagner insisted on this in his work “Hie und Stich waffen,” published in Prague in 1969. The Englishman E. Oakeshott claims that already at the beginning and middle of the 14th century. there were large swords, called in the French manner “L"épée à deux mains.” This refers to the so-called “saddle” swords of knights, which had a one-and-a-half-hand grip and could be used in foot combat... This sword