The Lance: A Heroic Weapon

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The Lance was a 9-10 foot long spear or pole weapon used in combat by a mounted warrior or cavalry soldier. This weapon was not suited for repeatedly thrusting or throwing, but was included in the javelin and spear family. The lance was used in europe from the 3rd century BC all the way to the 19th century. The tip of a lance was not meant to break off or bend and often had a vamplate, which in most cases was a small circular plate used to prevent the lancers hand from sliding up the shaft upon impact. When charging the soldier would carry the lance under his arm, while crouching, using the weight of himself and the horse to force the lance tip into its intended target. It caused great fear to have a number of mounted knights with lances charging

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