Lance
The cavalry charge weapon of the mounted knight
The lance is the quintessential weapon of medieval cavalry charges, a horse-mounted spear of 300-400cm with a steel tip. The vamplate (conical hand guard) midway along the shaft absorbs impact shock, while the graper (rest) on the armor allows the rider to channel the horse's charging energy into the lance point. This "couched lance" technique concentrates the knight's weight and the horse's full-speed momentum into a single point, generating tremendous penetrating force. Jousting tournaments used specially designed breakable lances to reduce injuries.
Origin
Emerged in 10th-century Europe, reaching its peak in the 14th-15th centuries alongside the development of cavalry charge tactics. Jousting became the centerpiece of knightly culture, and the lance became a symbol of chivalry.
Features
- Total length 300-400cm, cavalry-exclusive weapon
- Vamplate (conical hand guard)
- Mounted on graper (armor rest) for stability
- Channels horse's charge momentum to the tip
- Breakable jousting variants exist
- Weight approximately 2.5-4kg
Usage
Heavy cavalry charged at full speed, concentrating horse momentum and rider weight into the lance point to break through enemy formations. Typically switched to sword or mace after first impact.
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