Insights from Historical
Artwork Four different pole-arms are clearly visible in this
close-up. A pole-axe lie son the ground beneath the kneeling figure receiving the most
unpleasant spear thrust. To his left two fighters hold a sort of spiked
"pole-hammer" and a double-barbed glaive-like weapon. In three locations, sword
wielding fighters raise long-handled, short-bladed, tapering swords above their heads in
classic "high guard" postures. From The English capture Caen. Late 1300s.
- French illuminated manuscripts, Bibliotheqe Nationale de France.

BACK / NEXT |