halberd

The halberd is a polearm that combines three distinct functions: a spear-like point for thrusting, a broader axe blade for cutting, and a hook or thorn on the back used to pull riders from horseback or to grab shields. This multipurpose head was mounted on a long wooden shaft, enabling infantry to engage at a distance while staying mobile.

Design and variations: The head sits atop a wooden shaft typically about 1.3 to 1.8 meters long, with the weapon weighted toward the blade for balance. The axe blade and hook were arranged to handle cutting motions and grappling tasks, while the central spike facilitated piercing armor. Regional forms varied in blade shape and length.

History and use: The halberd first became common in the late 14th and early 15th centuries in the Holy Roman Empire and Swiss territories. It was adopted by Landsknecht mercenaries and many European infantry as a standard anti-armor and anti-cavalry tool, especially in pike-and-halberd formations. Its versatility helped soldiers protect pike lines and threaten mounted opponents until the rise of firearms.

Legacy: The halberd remained in military use into the 16th century and persisted in ceremonial contexts and militia service in some regions into the early modern era. Today it is studied by historians and appears in reenactments, martial arts, and decorative arms collections. It is categorized as a polearm, distinct from but related to the pike, vouge and partisan.