Medieval sword letter opener, France, 14th century.

Medieval sword letter opener made of metal.

The crossguard and the pommel of the sword bear an inscription in vulgar Latin meaning: “Guarded by a dragon that never sleeps, in the name of truth.”

The sword was generally the preferred weapon of medieval knights for combat. Its owners liked to personalize it—some were even given names—and it was considered both a weapon and a symbol, as the blade and hilt are shaped like a cross.

The most common sword was the so-called bastard sword or “hand-and-a-half sword,” straight and double-edged, with a length ranging between 100 and 120 cm and a weight between 1,200 and 2,000 grams, allowing agile handling on the battlefield.

Other larger swords were known as the longsword, montante, greatsword, or two-handed sword, which could reach two meters or more in length and weigh up to four kilograms. They were designed to be used with both hands, and the force of their blows caused terrible damage; however, their use and transport were complicated, making them less manageable.

The Middle Ages are the historical period of Western civilization spanning from the 5th to the 15th century. Conventionally, it begins in 476 with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and ends in 1492 with the discovery of America. The sword was the most personal weapon of this period, the most prestigious, and the most versatile in hand-to-hand combat.

Medieval knights were figures of great importance during this era. Their martial training included skills in handling the sword with both hands, as well as the axe, mace, dagger, and spear. A knight was expected to guard the castle and support his feudal lord in wars.
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