List of premodern combat weapons

Premodern combat weapons include include both ranged weapons and mêlée weapons weapons which, in general, existed before the invention of the true flintlock gun around 1610, or until the 1700's for incendiary weaponscite book | title=Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor |Editor=Regan,Paula |year=2006 | isbn=0756622107 | publisher=DK Publishing | location=New York | pages=162] . This does not include statically emplaced weapons such as traps or siege engines, but rather any weapon from the prehistoric, ancient, classical, medieval, or premodern world which could be carried by a single individual. Shields are included at the end as they could often be used offensively. This list does include, with comments as such, realistic (non-magical and physically combat feasible) weapon types from fantasy and role playing games as premodern weapons figure heavily in paper and computer role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Diablo (video game) or World of Warcraft, often featuring weapons of multiple geographical origins and time periods together (medieval Europe and feudal Japan being particularly prevalent). Game designers might use a list like this when choosing weapons to include in their games. Similarly, only combat effective weapons are included, for a list of practice weapons, such as the fencing Foil or Épée, see Practice Weapons.This list is for types of weapons and does not include specific, named weapons. For some examples of these, please see List of mythological weapons or List of magical weapons.

The list is categorized generally by Weapon Type, organized approximately by how the weapon was mainly used (style of attack, weight, and length). Where possible, each is tagged with a general region of origin, recognizing that most weapons were developed long before modern nations were andacross country borders. For more on categorization of weapons, see the System of Weapons Categorization section below.

Hand or Fist Weapons and Fans

Single handed weapons not resembling a straight dagger blade, usually wielded without wrist action, often protects the forearm.
* Gauntlets (European)
* Brass Knuckles, Knuckle Dusters (European)
* Cestus, Caestus (Mediterranean)
* Tessen, Iron Fan (Japanese)
* Korean Fan, Mu Puche, Tempered Birch Fan (Korean)
* Tekagi-shuko, Neko-te (Japanese)
* Wind and fire wheels (Chinese)
* Deer Horn Knives (Chinese)
* Bladed Cestus, Myrmex, Sphairai (Mediterranean)
* Finger Knife (African) cite book | title=Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor |Editor=Regan,Paula |year=2006 | isbn=0756622107 | publisher=DK Publishing | location=New York]
* Tekko (Japanese)
* Bagh nakh (Middle Asian)
* Pata, Sword Gauntlet (Middle Asian)
* Katar, Bundi Dagger (Middle Asian)
* Suwayah, Suwayyah, Multi-bladed Katar (Middle Asian)
* Scissors Katar (Middle Asian)
* Nyepel, Larim Fighting Bracelet (African)
* Talons, Claws (Fictional Weapon, Diablo II)
* Madu, Maru, Buckhorn Parrying Stick (Middle Asian)
* Indian Parrying Weapon (Middle Asian)

Bladed

Thrusting and Slicing weapons for close quarters melee.

Knives and Daggers

Very roughly delineated as 5-22" total length. Many bladed weapons with the same name and shape came in a wide variety of sizes, especially over years of development.
* Sgian dubh (European)
* Kogatana, Kozuka (Japanese)
* Balisong, Butterfly knife, Fan knife, Click Clack (Southeast Asian)
* Stone and Obsidian Daggers
* Pugio (Mediterranean)
* Kaiken, Kwaiken (Japanese)
* Bich'Hwa, Bichhwa, Bich Hwa (Middle Asian)
* Bhuj, Kutti, Elephant Knife (Middle Asian)
* Jambiya, Jambia (Middle Eastern/Middle Asian)
* Khanjar (Middle Asian)
* Phiha Kaetta, Piha Kaetta (Southeastern Asia)
* Kard (Middle Eastern)
* Phurba (Middle Asian)
* Emei piercer (Chinese)
* Shobo (Japanese)
* Poniard (European)
* Poignard (European)
* Kirpan (Middle Asian)
* Kris (Southeast Asian)
* Kalis (Southeast Asian)
* Facón (Southamerican)
* Misericorde, Mercygiver (European)
* Tant%C5%8D (Japanese)
* Hamidashi (Japanese)
* Hachiwara (Japanese)
* Yoroi toshi (Japanese)
* Kaiken (Japanese)
* Butterfly sword (Chinese)
* Seax, Hadseax, Sax, Seaxe, Scramaseax, Scramsax, Scramasax (European)
* Hauswehren (European)
* Quillion Dagger (European)
* Acinaces, Akinakes, Akinaka (Mediterranean, Middle Eastern)
* Parrying Dagger, Left-Hand Dagger (European)
* Main-guache, Maingauche (European/Mediterranean)
* Swordbreaker (European)
* Trident Dagger (European)
* Ballock Dagger (Knife), Ballock-Hafted knife, Kidney Dagger (European)
* Dudgeon Dagger (European)
* Dirk (European)
* Rondel (European)
* Ear Dagger (European)
* Stiletto (European)
* Gunner's Stiletto (European)
* Sai (Japanese)
* Kunai (Improvised, Japanese)
* Fakir's Crutch, Zafar Takia with hidden blade (Middle Asian)
* Seme (African)

=Shortswords=

Very roughly delineated as 22-30" total length.

traight Shortswords

* Bronze/Iron Sword, Celtic Sword, Celtic Dagger, Leaf-Shaped Sword, Leaf-Shaped Dagger (European)
* Anelace (European)
* Cinquedea (European)
* Khanjali, Khanjarli, Quama, Kinjal, Kama, Ottoman Quama, Cossack Dagger (Middle Eastern)
* Bilbo (European)
* Colichemarde (European)
* Small sword (European)
* Baselard, Basilard (European)
* Swiss Dagger, Schweizerdegen, Holbein Dagger (European)
* Gladius (Mediterranean)
* Xiphos (Mediterranean)

Curved Shortswords

* Barong (Southeast Asian)
* Talibon (Southeast Asian)
* Pinuti (Southeast Asian)
* Haikuchi, Aikuchi (Japanese)
* Kodachi (Japanese)
* Chisakatana (Japanese)
* Shikomizue (Japanese)
* Wakizashi (Japanese)

Swords

Roughly 30" and up.

Curved one-handed swords

* Kastane (Southeast Asian)
* Falchion (European)
* Dao, Zhibei dao, Beidao (Chinese)
* Yanmaodao (Chinese)
* Liuyedao (Chinese)
* Dha (Southeast Asian)
* Cutlass (European)
* Dussack, Dusack, Dysack, Dusagge, Dusegge, Dusegg, Disackn, Tesak, Tuseckn, Thuseckn (European, debated, although some list this weapon only as a wooden practice sword, others state that there are real, metal examples)
* Hanger, Hangar (European)
* Backsword (European)
* Hunting sword (European)
* Großmesser, Hiebmesser (European)
* Langes messer, Kriegsmesser (European)
* Schweizersäbel (European)
* Briquet (European)
* Sabre (European)
* Karabela (European)
* Szabla (European)
* Shashka (European)
* Talwar (Middle Asian)
* Saif (Middle Eastern)
* Nimcha (African)
* Kilij (Middle Eastern)
* Scimitar (Middle Eastern)
* Shamshir (Middle Eastern)
* Ayudha Katti (Southeast Asian)
* Piandao (Chinese)
* Pulwar (Middle Eastern)
* Mameluke(Middle Eastern)
* Klewang (Southeast Asian)
* Kampilan (Southeast Asian)
* Krabi (Southeast Asian)

Straight one-handed swords

* Spatha (Mediterranean)
* Arming Sword, War Sword (European)
* Katzbalger (European)
* Main-gauche (European)
* Spadroon (European)
* Flyssa (African)
* Ida (African)
* Takoba (African)
* Jian (Chinese)
* Tibetan Jian (Middle Asian)
* Saingeom (Korean)
* Schiavona (European)
* Espada ropera (European)
* Firangi, Firanghi (Middle Asian)
* Sidesword (European)
* Epee (European - although now a fencing practice weapon, originally was a stiff, heavy, triangular-bladed thrusting sword weighing about 30oz)cite book | last=Levine |first=Bernard |coauthors=Gerald Weland | title=Knives, Swords, & Daggers |publisher=Barnes & Noble |location=New York| pages=66]
* Rapier (European)
* Flamberge (European)
* Longsword, Grootzwaard, Langschwert, Spadone, Spada Longa (Lunga), Montante(European)
* Estoc (European)
* Mortuary sword (European)
* Broadsword, Basket-hilted Sword, Heavy Calvary Sword (European)
* Kaskara (African)
* Hwandudaedo (Korean)
* Khanda (Middle Asian)
* Claymore (European)
* Malibar Coast Sword (Southeast Asian)
* Tsurugi (Japanese)
* Chokuto (Japanese)
* Ninjato (Japanese)

Curved two-handed swords

* Heron Mark Sword (Fictional weapon, Wheel of Time Series)
* Nihonto (Japanese) Classification?
* Katana (Japanese)
* Dotanuki (Japanese)
* Tachi (Japanese)
* Uchigatana (Japanese)
* Miao dao (Chinese)
* Nandao (Chinese)

Hand-and-a-Half and Two-handed Greatswords

* Bastard Sword, Espée Bastarde, Hand-and-a-half Sword (European)
* Highland Sword, Claidheamh Da Laimh (European)
* Árije (European)
* Boar Sword (European)
* Assamese Dao (Middle Asian)
* Lhang, Elvish Lhang (Fictional Weapon, Lord of the Rings)
* Nagamaki, Nagamaki Sword (attached to sword handle, as opposed to the polearm) (Japanese) cite book | last=Levine |first=Bernard |coauthors=Gerald Weland | title=Knives, Swords, & Daggers |publisher=Barnes & Noble |location=New York| pages=200]
* Zanbato (Japanese)
* Nodachi (Japanese)
* Otachi (Japanese)
* Changdao (Chinese)
* Wodao (Chinese)
* Okatana (Japanese)
* Zhanmadao (Chinese)
* Dadao (Chinese)
* Espadon (European)
* Greatsword (European)
* Bihander, Dopplehänder, Doppelhander, Zweihander, Tuck, Two Handed Sword, Lowland Sword (European)
* Paratschwerter, Parade Sword (European)
* Flambard, Flammard, Flammenschwert (European)
* Executioner's Sword, Sword of Justice, Heading Sword (European)

Other Swords

* Hook sword (Chinese)
* Shotel (African)

Axe Knives

Generally short, concave blades with the sharpened edge running the length of the non-handle part. Used for heavy chopping motions.
* Karambit, Kerambit, Korambit (Southeast Asian)
* Golok (Southeast Asian)
* Kukri, Khukri (Southeast Asian)
* Kopis (Mediterranean)
* Sickle (Worldwide, improvised)
* Sudanese Sickle-Knife (African)
* Arit (Southeast Asian)
* Pichangatti (Middle Asian)
* Wedong (Southeast Asian)
* Mandau (Southeast Asian)
* Hunting Cleaver (European)
* Pichangatti (Middle Asian)

Axe-like Swords

Generally concave blades with the sharpened edge running the length of the non-handle part. Used for heavy, chopping motions.
* Aruval (Middle Asian)
* Sappara, sickle-sword (Middle eastern)
* Harpe(Mediterranean)
* Khopesh, Sicklesword (Middle eastern)
* Sica, One-handed Dacian Falx (Mediterranean)
* Machete, Vettukathi (Southeast Asian)
* Bolo / Itak(Asian)
* Makhaira (Mediterranean)
* Falcata(Mediterranean)
* Yatagan, Yataghan (Middle Eastern)
* Kora (Southeast Asian)
* Parang pandit (Southeast Asian)
* Sosun Pattah (Middle Asian)

Picks, Pickaxes and Axes

Primarily chopping weapons (as opposed to chopping swords that thrust, cut, and slice), often with wide, forwards point blade, wielded with one or two hands for melee (throwing axes listed under Ranged, thrown

Picks and Pickaxes

* Chicken Sickles (Chinese)
* Kama (Japanese)
* Mattock (European, improvised)
* Hakapik (European)
* Pickaxe (European, improvised)
* Ankus, Ankusha, Elephant Goad, Elephant Hook, Bullhook (Middle Asian)
* War hammer (European, aslo a blunt weapon)
* Crowbill (European, Middle Asian)
* Horseman's Pick, Martel de Fer (European, aslo a blunt weapon)

Axes

* Hand axe (Paleolithic)
* Ovate handaxe (Paleolithic)
* Hatchet (European)
* Nzappa zap (African, also thrown)
* Tomahawk (Americas, also a thrown weapon)
* Spontoon Tomahawk (Americas)
* Congolese Ax (African)
* Tabar Zin (Middle Eastern)
* Adze (European, improvised)
* Palstave (European, Bronze age, improvised)
* Long-bearded axe (European)
* Fu (Chinese)
* Dahomey Axe Club (African, also an effective blunt weapon)
* Ono (Japanese)
* Masakari (Japanese)
* Battle Axe (European)
* Broadaxe (European)
* Sagaris (Mediterranean)
* Labrys (Mediterranean)
* Doloire (European)
* Valaška (European)
* Sparth Axe (European)
* Shorter Danish Axe, Dane-axe, English Long Axe, Viking Axe, Hafted Axe (European)
* Bhuj, with blade shaped like the dagger on a long shaft
* Vechevoral (Middle Asian)

=Blunt Weapons and Clubs=

Wielded with one or two hands at close quarters with swinging motions.
* Yawara, Yawara-bo (Japanese)
* Yubi-bo (Japanese)
* Pasak, Dulodulo (Southeast Asian)
* Kurunthadi, Churuvadi, Muchan, Kuruvadi (Middle Asian)
* Eskrima Sticks, Straight Sticks (Southeast Asian)
* Cambuk (Southeast Asian)
* Clubbing Boomerang (Worldwide)
* Rungu (African, aslo ranged)
* Tambo, Tanbo (Okinawan)
* Hanbo (Japanese)
* Otta (Middle Asian)
* Shillelagh
* La canne (European)
* Knobkierie, Knopkierie, Knobkerry (African)
* Stone Club (Worldwide)
* Club, Cudgel, Bludgeon, Truncheon
* Jutte, Jitte (Japanese)
* Tonfa (Okinawan)
* Mere (New Zealand)
* Meremere (New Zealand)
* Kotiate (New Zealand)
* Aklys (Origin unknown)
* Waddy, Nulla Nulla (Australian)
* Macana (Americas)
* Macuahuitl, Maquahuitl (Americas)
* Patu, Patuki (New Zealand)
* Tewhatewha (New Zealand)
* Tekkan (Japanese)
* Chúi (Chinese)
* Mughal Mace (Middle Asian)
* Gurz, Ottoman Gurz (Middle Eastern)
* Mace (European)
* Short Scepter, Mace Scepter (European)
* Flanged mace (European)
* Spiked Mace (European, Middle Asian)
* Morning star, Goedendag, Holy Water Sprinkler (European)
* Planson, Plançon a picot (European)
* Roundhead (European)
* Kanabo (Japanese)
* War hammer (European, aslo a pickaxe weapon)
* Horseman's Pick, Horseman's Hammer, Martel de Fer (European, aslo a pickaxe weapon)
* Hammer (improvised)
* Maul, Sledgehammer (European improvised)
* Otsuchi (Japanese)

Staffs, Staves and Polearms

Wielded with mainly with two hands, primarily for melee in sweeping, hooking, and thrusting motions. Throwing Javelins and Spears listed under Ranged, Thrown, Javelins & Spears. Organized from most axelike to most blunt or club like (poleaxe to Jo)

taves

* Jo (Japanese)
* Bâton français (European)
* Bo (Japanese)
* Quarterstaff (European)
* Naboot, Nabboot, Asaya, Asa, Shoum (Middle Eastern)
* Gun (staff) (Chinese)
* Lathi (Middle Asian)
* Eku (Okinawan)
* Taiaha (New Zealand)
* Shareeravadi (Middle Asian)

=Spears=

* Sibat, Bangkaw, Sumbling, Palupad (Southeast Asian)
* Hasta (Mediterranean)
* Framea, Ger, Gar, Geirr, Gaizaz, Migration Period Spear (European)
* Dory Spear, Doru (Mediterranean)
* Qiang (spear) (Chinese)
* Yari (Japanese)
* Hoko (Japanese)
* Saintie (Middle Asian)
* Jukjangchangbo (Korean)
* Toupjang (Korean)
* Chichang (Korean)
* Brandistock, Buttafuore, Feather Staff (European)
* Swordstaff (European)
* Yangjimochang (Korean)
* Runka, Rawcon, Ranseur (European)
* Spetum (European)
* Pike
* Ahlspiess, Awl Pike (European)
* Sarissa (Mediterranean)
* Footman's lance (European)
* Lance (European)
* Dongyemochang (Korean)
* Atgeir (European)
* Pitchfork (improvised)
* Trident
* Trishula (Middle Asian)
* DaiJiChang (Korean)
* Sabarichang (Korean)
* Dangpa-chang (Korean, may also be thrown)
* Nangsun (Korean)
* Military fork (European)

Polearms with axe-like blades

* Tepoztopilli (Americas)
* Nulbjakchang (Korean)
* Ox tongue spear (European)
* Partisan, Partizan (European)
* Monk's Spade (Chinese)
* Gandasa (Middle Asian, improvised)
* Longer Danish Axe, Dane-axe, English Long Axe, Viking Axe, Hafted Axe (European)
* Lochaber Axe (European)
* Bardiche (European)
* Pollaxe, Poleaxe (European)
* Bec de Faucon (European)
* Ji (Chinese)
* Tongi, Two pointed, Four Pointed Tongi (Middle Asian)
* Arbir (Southeast Asian)
* Chacing staff (European)
* Halberd (European)
* Guisarme (European
* Fauchard (European)
* Voulge (European)
* Galgorichang (Korean))
* Bill, English Bill, Bill Hook, Bill-Guisarme (European)
* Man catcher (European)
* Ngaw (Southeast Asian)
* Sodegarami (Japanese)
* Tsukubō (Japanese)
* Sasumata (Japanese)
* Dagger-Axe, Ko (Chinese)
* Glaive (European)
* Pudao (Chinese)
* Guan (Kwan) Doa (Chinese)
* Naginata (Japanese)
* Bisento (Japanese)
* Long-handled Nagamaki (Japanese)
* Two-handed Dacian Falx (Mediterranean)
* Rhomphaia (Mediterranean)
* Scythe (improvised)
* War-scythe

Polearms with spikes and hammers

* Bec de Corbin (European)
* Lucerne hammer (European)

Ranged

Thrown

Spears and Javelins

All could be used as polearm spears, but were designed and primarily used for throwing.
* Assegai, Assagai (African)
* Verutum (Mediterranean)
* Lancea (Mediterranean)
* Javelin (Mediterranean
* Pilum (Mediterranean)
* Soliferrum, Soliferreum, Saunion (Mediterranean)
* Spiculum (Mediterranean)
* Angon (European)
* Harpoon (Worldwide)
* Falarica, Phalarica (Mediterranean)
* Jangchang (Korean)
* Atlatl and Darts (Paleolithic)
* Woomera, Amirre (Australian)

=Throwing Sticks=

* Boomerang (Australian, Worldwide)
* Rungu(African)
* Knobkerrie, Knopkierie, Knobkerry (African, also a blunt weapon)

Throwing Blades and Darts

* Throwing Knife (Worldwide)
* Hira-Shuriken, Throwing Stars (Japanese)
* Shaken, Kurumaken (Japanese)
* Chakram (Middle Asian)
* Bo-Shuriken, Throwing Spikes (Japanese)
* Thrown Darts (Worldwide)
* Plumbata, Martiobarbuli (Mediterranean)

=Throwing Axes=

All could be used also as axe weapons, but were specifically designed for throwing.
* Hurlbat, Whirlbat (European)
* Francisca, Francesca (European)
* Nzappa zap (African)
* Tomahawk (Americas, also an axe weapon)
* Hunga Munga, Danisco, Goleyo, Njiga (African)

=Bows=

Longbows

* English Longbow, Welsh longbow, Warbow
* Flatbow
* Azusayumi (Japanese)
* Deflex bow (sub-category)
* Decurve bow (sub-category)
* Self bow (sub-category)
* Daikyu (Japanese)

Recurved Bows

* Hungarian bow (European)
* Perso-Parthian bow (Middle Eastern)
* Composite Bow (sub-category)
* Cable-backed bow (sub-category)

Short Bows and Reflex Bows

* Mongol bow (Eastern European, Chinese)
* Turkish bow (Eastern European)
* Korean Bow, Hwal (Korean)
* hankyu (Japanese)

Crossbows

* Pistol Crossbow, Small Crossbow (Chinese)
* Crossbow (European, Chinese)
* Skåne Lockbow (European)
* Arbalest, Arblast (European)
* Gastraphetes (Mediterranean)
* Bullet Bow, English Bullet Bow, Pellet Crossbow (European)
* German Stone Bow (European)
* Repeating Crossbow, Chu-ko-nu, Zhuge Nu (Chinese)

Other

* Blowgun, Blowpipe, Blow Tube (Worldwide)
* Fukiya (Japanese)
* Sling (Paleolithic, Mediterranean, European)
* Stave Sling, Fustibale (Mediterranean)
* Kestros, Kestrophedrone, Cestrus, Cestrosphendone (Mediterranean)
* Bolas (Americas)
* Manriki (Japanese)

Incendiary

* Wheellock, Wheel-lock, Wheel Lock, Snaplock, Snaphance, Doglock, Flintlock, or Matchlock (pre-1700s) versions of the
* Musket (Chinese, European)
* Long gun (European)
* Tu Huo Qiang (Chinese)
* Blunderbuss, Donderbus (European)
* Arquebus, Harquebus, Harkbus, Hackbut (European)
* Carbine (European)
* Huochong (Chinese).
* Pistol (European)
* Hand Cannon (Chinese, European)
* Rabauld, Ribault, Ribaudkin, Organ Gun (European)
* Fire lance (Chinese)
* Caliver (European)
* Culverin (European)

Composite projectile weapons

Having a built in gun or ranged weapon combined with some other type of weapon. These weapons would be particularly at home in a steampunk type role playing game similar to .
* Pistol Sword (European Sword)
* Mace Wheellock (European Mace)
* War Hammer Wheellock (European Pick/Hammer)
* Halberd Double Barreled Wheellock (European Halberd)
* Matchlock Ax/Dagger (European Axe, Dagger, Matchlock Combination)
* Carbine Ax (European Axe)
* Ax Match and Wheellock (European Axe with Five barrells under a removable blade)

Flexibles

Used with whipping or swinging motions, sometimes attached to another type of weapon.
* Urumi, Chuttuval (Middle Asian)
* Smallwhips, Crops (Worldwide)
* Sjambok, Litupa, Imvubu, Kiboko, Mnigolo, Chicotte, Fimbo, Kurbash (Africa)
* Nagyka (Eastern European)
* Bullwhip, Stockwhip (Worldwide)
* Cat o' nine tails (European)
* Knout (Eastern Europe)
* Chain whip(Chinese)
* Jiujiebian (Chinese)
* Qijiebian (Chinese)
* Samjitbin (Chinese)
* Lasso, Lariat, Uurga (Americas, Chinese)

ectional or Composite

Having multiple handles or holdable sections.
* Nunchaku (Okinawan)
* Tabak-Toyok, Chako (Southeast Asian)
* Two Section Staff, Chang Xiao Ban (Chinese, could also be considered a polearm)
* Samjigun, Sansetsukon (Chinese, Japanese, Okinawan)

=Chain Weapons=

Having a heavy object attached to a flexible chain according to the article, as opposed to a flexible whip made of chain. Wielded by swinging, throwing, or projecting the end, as well as wrapping, striking, and blocking with the chain.
* Chigiriki (Japanese)
* Flail, Fleau d'armes, kriegsflegel (European)
* Cumberjung, Flail with Quoits, Double-Ended Flail (Middle Asian)
* Kyoketsu shoge (Japanese)
* Manriki-gusari, Manrikigusari (Japanese)
* Kusari-fundo (Japanese)
* Kusari-gama (Japanese)
* Meteor Hammer, Sheng bao, Liu Xing Chui, Dai Chui, Flying Hammer, Dragon's Fist (Chinese)
* Rope Dart, Rope Javelin, Sheng Biao, Jouhyou (Chinese, Japanese)
* Flying claws (Chinese)
* Surujin, Suruchin (Okinawan)
* Slungshot (European, Chinese, Japanese, improvised, not to be confused with a slingshot)

=Shields=

Used not only to block strikes and missiles but also swung outwardly to strike an opponent or in quick upward motions, or used to rush an opponent (known as shield bashing). Some shields had spikes, sharp edges, or other offensive designs.
* Buckler (European)
* Aspis, Hoplon (Mediterranean)
* Oval Scutum (Mediterranean)
* Kite shield (European)
* Targe (European)
* Hungarian shield (European)
* Heater Shield, Heraldic Shield (European)
* Tower or Rectangular Scutum (Mediterranean)
* Ishlangu (African)
* Hide, Leather, Wickerwork, Ceremonial Shields (Worldwide, Tribal)

ystems of Weapon Categorization

Weapons of the world can be categorized in many different ways according to use or areas of origin, etc. Many role-playing games make specific use of their own weapons categorization systems (often known as weapon classes) in order to determine staticsticsfor that weapon when used by a particular character. This list was compiled by listing weapons according to their uses, with rough classes set aside for very similar weapons.There are always weapons that do not fit particularly into any category and are thus difficult to classify under any system. Games often classify by use as well. For instance the game Diablo II uses the weapons classes of Axes, Bows, Claws, Crossbows, Daggers, Javelins, Clubs, Orbs, Polearms, Scepters, Spears, Staves, Swords, and Wands [cite web | first=|last=|title=PlanetDiablo Weapons Database |url=http://www.planetdiablo.com/diablo2/items/weapons/weapons.asp|accessdate=2008-07-02] . Wands and Orbs are includedas magical weapons. In Dungeons and Dragons 4.0, weapons are grouped into Axe, Bow, Crossbow, Flail, Hammer, Heavy Blade, Light Blade, Mace, Pick, Polearm, Sling, Spear, Staff, and Unarmed, with certain weapons falling into more than one group. Weapons then are given a category by quality of Improvised, Simple, Military, or Superior and then melee, ranged, one-handed, or two-handed [cite web | first=Chris|last=Sims|title=4th Edition Excerpts: Weapons |url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/4ex/20080507a|accessdate=2008-07-02] . Because weapons are so incredibly varied, many classification systems of weapons inspire disagreements about how particular weapons should be categorized. The system detailed in this list will be no exception, although it should be recognized that all classification systems are just attempts to give arbitrary divisions to what is in essence the vast and very diverse spectrum of weapons.

References

See also

*
*
*
* List of practice weapons
* List of ancient weapons
* List of medieval weapons
* List of daggers
* List of swords
* List of melee weapons
* List of martial arts weapons
* Weapon