Writing Tips        Vikings        Medieval History        Ancient Rome        Architecture        Old West        Travel        Vocabulary         

Review - TV - Weird Weapons of the Middle Ages

History International hosts a wonderful video series called "Conquest", which often focuses on various weaponry used in history. This particular review focuses on the episode titled "Weird Weapons of the Middle Ages", which just touches a small portion of the interesting weapons and tools that were used during this period.

In this episode, the gang tries to combat a knight outfitted in plate armor with several odd weapons. The plate armor suit, weighing 60 lbs, is very solid and difficult to pierce except by sharp metal and within close range.


The Falchion was a single-blade sword that could slash against armor. It weighed between 5 and 8 pounds.




The mace was popular for close-range hits.





The flail, also known as the ball-and-chain, was an effective weapon if used carefully since the spike ball at the chain-end of the handle could hit the user.



Other weapons include hammer, ahlspiess (a spear), billhook, and a Godendag (club with spikes).


Want to see these in action? Check out the show on YouTube:
"Weird Weapons of the Middle Ages":
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Review - Book - The Age of Knights and Castles


Age of Knights & Castles (World Book Looks at)

Fabulous reference guide! Includes a wonderful timeline as well as details on fashion, knightly careers, how campaigns were fought, the construction and defense of castles, and more.

Review - Book - Archers, Alchemists and 98 Other Medieval Jobs...


Archers, Alchemists: and 98 Other Medieval Jobs You Might Have Loved or Loathed (Jobs in History) by Priscilla Galloway
An absolute must-have book for your medieval research! It is overflowing with information, including timelines. Jobs are organized by categories, such as "Castle Jobs", "Bread and Butter Jobs", "Life and Death Jobs", "Travel Jobs" and more. Each job is described in detail and includes synonymous terms.

Review - Book - The Healing Herbs


The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide To The Curative Power Of Nature's Medicines
Although this book isn't necessarily based on Medieval medicines, it is a wonderful resource for herbal and all-natural medicines and procedures as well as some information about the role of women in medicine. Also includes some information on the herbs that Native American medicine.