Battle-Axe - Definition and Overview

Swedish halberds from 16th century

A halberd is a two-handed pole weapon that came to prominent use during the 14th and 15th centuries. Possibly the word "halberd" comes from the German words halm (staff), and barte (axe). It's also possible that the word derives from "hellebaard", meaning hell's beard in Dutch language. The halberd consists of an axe blade topped with a spike mounted on a long shaft. It often has a hook or thorn on the back side of the axe blade for grappling mounted combatants.

The halberd was cheap to produce and very versatile in battle. Its length allowed it to deflect spears and pikes, its point allowed to keep sword-wielding opponents at distance, and the hook would be used to draw armored opponents to the ground. The axe blade was for cutting into unarmed opponents and horses.

Halberds were the primary weapons of the early Swiss armies in the 14th century. Later on, the Swiss added pikes to better repel knight attacks, with halberds used for medium distances and short swords ("Katzbalgers" for close up).

The halberd is still the ceremonial weapon of the Swiss Guard in the Vatican. Some of the different types of halberds include:

• Godendag
• Hippe
• Scorpion

Other weapons that are sometimes listed as halberds:

• Bisento
• Lochaber Axe (Jeddart axe)
• Naginata
• Pollaxe
• Bill hook