lanzas

Lanzas is the Spanish plural for lance, referring to long polearms used in warfare and hunting across many cultures. In Spanish usage, lanzas denotes the weapons collectively, while the singular lanza refers to a single lance. The term derives from Latin lancea and is cognate with the English word lance. Lances typically consist of a long wooden shaft with a sharpened metal head, designed for thrusting. They vary in length, commonly about 2 to 3.5 meters, though regional and ceremonial varieties can differ.

Historically, lances were a core weapon for both infantry and cavalry. In medieval Europe, heavy cavalry relied on long lances in shock charges, while infantry used shorter variations for polearm fighting. With the advent of projectile firearms and shifts in military tactics, traditional use of lances declined from the early modern period, though they persisted in ceremonial units and in sport and reenactment.

Across Asia and the Middle East, lance-like weapons appeared in many forms, adapted to local fighting styles and technology. In modern times, lances survive primarily in ceremonial contexts, equestrian jousting, and historical reenactment, as well as in heraldry and literature where they symbolize martial tradition.

See also: Lance, Spear, Pike, Yari, Jousting.