Spear
This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2022) |
A spear is a
Spears can be divided into two broad categories: those designed for thrusting as a
The spear has been used throughout human history as a tool for hunting and/or fishing and as a weapon. Along with the club, knife, and axe, it is one of the earliest and most widespread tools ever developed by early humans. As a weapon, it may be wielded with either one or two hands.[1] It was used in virtually every conflict up until the modern era, where even to this day, it lives on in the form of a bayonet fixed onto the muzzle of a long gun.[2]
Etymology
The word
Origins
Spear manufacture and use is not confined to humans. It is also practiced by the western chimpanzee. Chimpanzees near Kédougou, Senegal have been observed to create spears by breaking straight limbs off trees, stripping them of their bark and side branches, and sharpening one end with their teeth. They then used the weapons to hunt galagos sleeping in hollows.[3]
Prehistory
The Clacton Spear found in England and the Schöningen spears found in present-day Germany document that wooden spears have been used for hunting since at least 400,000 years ago.[4][5][6] A 2012 study from the site of Kathu Pan in South Africa suggests that hominids, possibly Homo heidelbergensis, may have developed the technology of hafted stone-tipped spears in Africa about 500,000 years ago.[7][8] Wood does not preserve well, however, and Craig Stanford, a primatologist and professor of anthropology at the University of Southern California, has suggested that the discovery of spear use by chimpanzees means that early humans may have used wooden spears before this.[9]
From circa 200,000 BC onwards, Middle
Military
Europe
Classical antiquity
Ancient Greeks
The spear is the main weapon of the warriors of
In the 7th century BC, the Greeks evolved a new close-order infantry formation, the
The 4th century saw major changes. One was the greater use of
Ancient Romans
In the pre-Marian Roman armies, the first two lines of battle, the hastati and principes, often fought with a sword called a gladius and pila, heavy javelins that were specifically designed to be thrown at an enemy to pierce and foul a target's shield. Originally the principes were armed with a short spear called a hasta, but these gradually fell out of use, eventually being replaced by the gladius. The third line, the triarii, continued to use the hasta.
From the late 2nd century BC, all legionaries were equipped with the pilum. The pilum continued to be the standard legionary spear until the end of the 2nd century AD. Auxilia, however, were equipped with a simple hasta and, perhaps, javelins or darts. During the 3rd century AD, although the pilum continued to be used, legionaries usually were equipped with other forms of throwing and thrusting spear, similar to auxilia of the previous century. By the 4th century, the pilum had effectively disappeared from common use.[17]
In the late period of the Roman Empire, the spear became more often used because of its anti-cavalry capacities as the barbarian invasions were often conducted by people with a developed culture of cavalry in warfare.
Medieval period
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the spear and shield continued to be used by nearly all Western European cultures. Since a medieval spear required only a small amount of
Infantry
Broadly speaking, spears were either designed to be used in melee, or to be thrown. Within this simple classification, there was a remarkable range of types. For example, M. J. Swanton identified thirty different spearhead categories and sub-categories in early Saxon England.
The thrusting spear also has the advantage of reach, being considerably longer than other weapon types. Exact spear lengths are hard to deduce as few spear shafts survive archaeologically, but 180–240 cm (6–8 ft) would seem to have been the average length. Some nations were noted for their long spears, including the Scots and the Flemish. Spears usually were used in tightly ordered formations, such as the
Throwing spears became rarer as the Middle Ages drew on, but survived in the hands of specialists such as the Catalan Almogavars.[28] They were commonly used in Ireland until the end of the 16th century.[29]
Spears began to lose fashion among the infantry during the 14th century, being replaced by
Cavalry
Cavalry spears were originally the same as infantry spears and were often used with two hands or held with one hand overhead. In the 12th century, after the adoption of stirrups and a high-cantled saddle, the spear became a decidedly more powerful weapon. A mounted knight would secure the lance by holding it with one hand and tucking it under the armpit (the couched lance technique)[31] In combination with a lance rest, this allowed all the momentum of the horse and knight to be focused on the weapon's tip, whilst still retaining accuracy and control. This use of the spear spurred the development of the lance as a distinct weapon that was perfected in the medieval sport of jousting.[32]
In the 14th century, tactical developments meant that knights and men-at-arms often fought on foot. This led to the practice of shortening the lance to about 150 cm (5 ft) to make it more manageable.
Introduction of gunpowder
The development of both the long, two-handed pike and gunpowder firearms in Renaissance Europe saw an ever-increasing focus on integrated infantry tactics.[35] Those infantry not armed with these weapons carried variations on the polearm, including the halberd and the bill. At the start of the Renaissance, cavalry remained predominantly lance-armed; gendarmes with the heavy knightly lance and lighter cavalry with a variety of lighter lances. By the 1540s, however, pistol-armed cavalry called reiters were beginning to make their mark. Cavalry armed with pistols and other lighter firearms, along with a sword, had virtually replaced lance armed cavalry in Western Europe by the beginning of the 17th century.[36]
Ultimately, the spear proper was rendered obsolete on the battlefield. Its last flowering was the half-pike or spontoon,[37] a shortened version of the pike carried by officers of various ranks. While originally a weapon, this came to be seen more as a badge of office, or leading staff by which troops were directed.[38] The half-pike, sometimes known as a boarding pike, was also used as a weapon on board ships until the late 19th century.[39]
Middle East
Modern era
Muslim warriors used a spear that was called an
Asia
China
In the Chinese martial arts, the Chinese spear (Qiang 槍) is popularly known as the "king of weapons". The spear is listed in the group of the four major weapons (along with the gun (staff), dao (a single-edged blade similar to a sabre), and the jian (sword)).[40]
Spears were used first as hunting weapons amongst the ancient Chinese. They became popular as infantry weapons during the
Spears were also common weaponry for Warring States, Qin, and Han era cavalry units. During these eras, the spear would develop into a longer lance-like weapon used for cavalry charges.
There are many words in Chinese that would be classified as a spear in English. The Mao is the predecessor of the Qiang. The first bronze Mao appeared in the Shang dynasty. This weapon was less prominent on the battlefield than the ge (dagger-axe). In some archaeological examples two tiny holes or ears can be found in the blade of the spearhead near the socket, these holes were presumably used to attach tassels, much like modern day wushu spears.
In the early
In the Han dynasty the Mao and the
After the Tang dynasty, the popularity of the Mao declined and was replaced by the Qiang (枪). The Tang dynasty divided the Qiang in four categories: "一曰漆枪, 二曰木枪, 三曰白杆枪, 四曰扑头枪。” Roughly translated the four categories are: Qi (a kind of wood) Spears, Wooden Spears, Bai Gan (A kind of wood) Spears and Pu Tou Qiang. The Qiang that were produced in the Song and Ming dynasties consisted of four major parts: Spearhead, Shaft, End Spike and Tassel. The types of Qiang that exist are many. Among the types there are cavalry Qiang that were the length of one zhang (approximately 320 cm or 10 ft), Litte-Flower Spears (Xiao Hua Qiang 小花枪) that are the length of one person and their arm extended above his head, double hooked spears, single hooked spears, ringed spears and many more.[43]
There is some confusion as to how to distinguish the Qiang from the Mao, as they are obviously very similar. Some people say that a Mao is longer than a Qiang, others say that the main difference is between the stiffness of the shaft, where the Qiang would be flexible and the Mao would be stiff. Scholars seem to lean toward the latter explanation more than the former. Because of the difference in the construction of the Mao and the Qiang, the usage is also different, though there is no definitive answer as to what exactly the differences are between the Mao and the Qiang.[44]
India
Spears are known as Bhala in Indian languages.
The Arab presence in Sindh and the Mameluks of Delhi introduced the Middle Eastern javelin into India.
The Rajputs wielded a type of spear for infantrymen which had a club integrated into the spearhead, and a pointed butt end. Other spears had forked blades, several spear-points, and numerous other innovations. One particular spear unique to India was the vita or corded lance.
Used by the Maratha Army, it had a rope connecting the spear with the user's wrist, allowing the weapon to be thrown and pulled back. The Vel is a type of spear or lance, originated in Southern India, primarily used by Tamils.[46][47]
Sikh
Japan
The
Philippines
Filipino spears (
. Sibat are typically made from rattan, either with a sharpened tip or a head made from metal. These heads may either be single-edged, double-edged or barbed. Styles vary according to function and origin. For example, a sibat designed for fishing may not be the same as those used for hunting.The spear was used as the primary weapon in expeditions and battles against neighbouring island kingdoms and it became famous during the 1521
Africa
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2010) |
The various types of the assegai (a light spear or javelin made of wood and pointed with iron or fire-hardened tip) were used throughout Africa and it was the most common weapon used before the introduction of firearms. The Zulu, Xhosa and other Nguni tribes of South Africa were renowned for their use of the assegai.
The Americas
West Mexico and South America (Pre-Colombia)
As advanced
Throwing spears also were used extensively in Meso-American warfare, usually with the help of an
Native Americans
Typically, most spears made by Native Americans were created with materials surrounded by their communities. Usually, the shaft of the spear was made with a wooden stick while the head of the spear was fashioned from arrowheads, pieces of metal such as copper, or a bone that had been sharpened. Spears were a preferred weapon by many since it was inexpensive to create, could more easily be taught to others, and could be made quickly and in large quantities.
Native Americans used the buffalo pound method to kill buffalo, which required a hunter to dress as a buffalo and lure one into a ravine where other hunters were hiding. Once the buffalo appeared, the other hunters would kill him with spears. A variation of this technique, called the buffalo jump, was when a runner would lead the animals towards a cliff. As the buffalo got close to the cliff, other members of the tribe would jump out from behind rocks or trees and scare the buffalo over the cliff. Other hunters would be waiting at the bottom of the cliff to spear the animal to death.[54]
Hunting
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (March 2010) |
One of the earliest forms of killing prey for humans, hunting game with a spear and
Types
- Barred spears: A barred spear has a crossbar beneath the blade, to prevent too deep a penetration of the spear into an animal. The bar may be forged as part of the spearhead or may be more loosely tied by means of loops below the blade. Barred spears are known from the Bronze Age, but the first historical record of their use in Europe is found in the writings of Xenophon in the 5th century BC.[55] Examples also are shown in Roman art. In the Middle Ages, a winged or lugged war-spear was developed (see above), but the later Middle Ages saw the development of specialised types, such as the boar-spear and the bear-spear.[56] The boar-spear could be used both on foot or horseback.
- Javelin
- Harpoon
- Trident
Modern revival
Spear hunting fell out of favour in most of Europe in the 18th century, but continued in Germany, enjoying a revival in the 1930s..
Gymnastics
One of the gymnastic exercises performed by the ancient Greeks was the throwing of a spear, referred to as ἀκυντισμός.[59]
In myth and legend
Symbolism
Like many weapons, a spear may also be a symbol of power.
The Celts would symbolically destroy a dead warrior's spear either to prevent its use by another or as a sacrificial offering.
In classical Greek mythology
The Romans and their early enemies would force prisoners to walk underneath a 'yoke of spears', which humiliated them. The yoke would consist of three spears, two upright with a third tied between them at a height which made the prisoners stoop.
In Norse mythology, the god Odin's spear (named Gungnir) was made by the sons of Ivaldi. It had the special property that it never missed its mark. During the War with the Vanir, Odin symbolically threw Gungnir into the Vanir host. This practice of symbolically casting a spear into the enemy ranks at the start of a fight was sometimes used in historic clashes, to seek Odin's support in the coming battle.[63] In Wagner's opera Siegfried, the haft of Gungnir is said to be from the "World-Tree" Yggdrasil.[64]
Other spears of religious significance are the
The Hindu god of war Murugan is worshipped by Tamils in the form of the spear called Vel, which is his primary weapon.[68]
The term spear is also used (in a somewhat archaic manner) to describe the male line of a family, as opposed to the distaff or female line.
Legends
- Cúchulainn, hero in Irish mythology
- Gáe Buide and Gáe Derg, spears of Diarmuid Ua Duibhne which could inflict wounds that none can recover from
- guan dao wielded by General Guan Yu in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms
- Gungnir, spear of Odin, a god in Norse mythology
- Holy Lance, said to be the spear that pierced the side of Jesus
- Pelian Spear, a spear that only Mount Pelion.
- Rhongomyniad referred to simply as Ron ("spear") in Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of Britain, the spear of King Arthur.[69][verification needed]
- Serpent Spear wielded by General Zhang Fei in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms
- King Fuchai of Wu, in China
- Spear of Lugh, named after Lugh, a god in Irish mythology
- .
- Trishula, a three-pronged spear wielded by the Hindu deities Durga and Shiva
- Murugan
See also
Related weapons
Notes and references
- ^ The Handbook Of The SAS And Elite Forces. How The Professionals Fight And Win. Edited by Jon E. Lewis. p.502-Tactics And Techniques, Survival. Robinson Publishing Ltd 1997. ISBN 1-85487-675-9
- ^ Weir, William. 50 Weapons That Changed Warfare. The Career Press, 2005, p 12.
- S2CID 16551874.
- S2CID 4283393. Retrieved 2017-01-09.
- PMID 26212768.
- S2CID 161451845.
- ^ Monte Morin, "Stone-tipped spear may have much earlier origin", Los Angeles Times, November 16, 2012
- ^ J. Wilkins et al. "Evidence for early hafted hunting technology". Science, Vol. 338, Nov. 16, 2012, p. 942. doi:10.1126/science.1227608.
- ^ Rick Weiss, "Chimps Observed Making Their Own Weapons", The Washington Post, February 22, 2007
- ISBN 978-0-7099-2710-5.
- ISBN 978-0-416-70570-6. Retrieved 15 Feb 2010.
- ISBN 978-0-304-35982-0.
- ^ Hanson (1999), p. 59
- ^ Hanson (1999), pp.147–8
- ^ Hanson (1999), pp149-150
- ^ Hunt, Peter. The Cambridge History of Greek and Roman Warfare: Volume 1, Greece, The Hellenistic World and the Rise of Rome. Cambridge University Press, 2007, p. 108
- ISBN 978-0-7478-0005-7.
- ^ "Viking Spear". Hurstwic.org. Retrieved 2017-01-09.
- ^ Medievalists.net (2020-01-09). "The Ten Most Important Weapons of the Middle Ages". Medievalists.net. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
- ^ "Medieval Weapons That Maimed and Killed". HISTORY. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
- ^ "Hurstwic: Viking Spear". www.hurstwic.org. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
- ^ Swanton, M.J. (1973). The Spearheads of the Anglo-Saxon Settlement. London: Royal Archaeological Institute.
- ^ Martin, Paul (1968). Armour and weapons. London: Herbert Jenkins. p. 226.
- ISBN 978-1-85367-100-5.
- ISBN 978-0-85976-154-3.
- ISBN 978-0-85115-630-9.
- ^ Scott, Ronald McNair (1988). Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. New York: Peter Bedrick Books. pp. 148, 158–159, 202–203.
- ^ Morris, Paul (September 2000). "'We have met Devils!': The Almogavars of James I and Peter III of Catalonia–Aragon". Anistoriton. 004. Retrieved 2009-08-04.
- ISBN 978-1-85532-280-6.
- ISBN 978-0-304-35270-8.
- ISBN 978-0-333-76331-5.
- ^ * Sébastien Nadot, Rompez les lances ! Chevaliers et tournois au Moyen Age, Paris, ed. Autrement, 2010. (Couch your lances ! Knights and tournaments in the Middle Ages...)
- ^ Nicholson (2004), p. 102
- ^ Nicholson (2004), p101
- ^ Arnold (2001), pp.66–72, 78–81
- ^ Arnold (2001), pp.92–100
- ISBN 978-0-7188-2126-5.
- ^ Oakeshott (1980), p.55
- ^ Oakeshott (1980), p.56
- ^ "Spear Training | Spear Fighting | 枪 矛 厹". Imperial Combat Arts.
- ISBN 978-7-80740-220-6.
- ISBN 978-7-80740-220-6.
- ISBN 978-7-80740-220-6.
- ISBN 978-7-80740-220-6.
- ^ Pant, Gayatri Nath (1970). Studies in Indian Weapons and Warfare. Army Educational Stores. pp. 158. 281. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
- ISBN 9789519380315.
- ^ Subrahmanian, N. (1996). Śaṅgam polity: the administration and social life of the Śaṅgam Tamils. Ennes.
- ^ "TherionArms – Zulu 'Iklwa' war spear". www.therionarms.com.
- ISBN 9780850452563.
- PMID 7046256.
- ^ "Precolumbian Mesoamerican Warfare". www.precolumbianweapons.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "Precolumbian Spears". February 4, 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-02-04.
- ^ "Pre-columbian Atl Atl Spear Throwers". www.precolumbianweapons.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "Native American Spears". Indians.org. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
- ISBN 978-0-486-40961-0. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
- ^ Blackmore (2003), pp.88–91
- ^ Blackmore (2003), pp92-3.
- ^ "Spear Hunting Museum > Home". Archived from the original on 9 July 2012.
- ^ A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (1890), William Smith, LLD, William Wayte, G. E. Marindin, Ed., Hasta
- ISBN 978-0-356-06798-8.
- ^ M. Cary and A. D. Nock. "Magic Spears". The Classical Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 3/4 (June–October 1927), pp. 122–127
- ^ "subjugation". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 2017-01-09.
- ISBN 978-0-14-006056-0.
- ^ "Score: BHR0215". Dlib.indiana.edu. Retrieved 2017-01-09.
- ISBN 978-0-19-861442-5. Retrieved 2017-01-09.
- ISBN 978-0-19-860967-4. Retrieved 2017-01-09.
- ^ "The Golden Bough" – via Project Gutenberg.
- ISBN 9789027976321.
- ^ P. K. Ford, "On the Significance of some Arthurian Names in Welsh", in Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies 30 (1983), pp.268–273 at p.71; R. Bromwich and D. Simon Evans, Culhwch and Olwen. An Edition and Study of the Oldest Arthurian Tale (Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1992), p.64