One Handed Swords

One handed swords were first developed by the Celts of northern Europe and the British Isles, who fought from horseback. One handed, longer bladed, swords were quickly adopted by the Romans in the form of the Spatha, which were used by their mounted troops. One-handed swords saw use across Europe for cutting through mail and leather armor, and slashing (draw-cutting) for mounted and foot combat. As armor evolved in the high middle ages into complete suites of plate, the blades developed into more effective thrusting weapons, however the sharp edge was not neglected for use on the lightly armored rank and file soldiers.

Learn more in our resources center