renaissance+weapons+by+daniel

These are images of Renaissance weapons. During the time of the Renaissance, people were beginning to use gun powdered weapons. In the 14th century cannons were first being used in Europe. At this time, in 1316, arrows were being shot out of the cannons, instead of cannonballs. As time passed, 800 pound, 3 feet long stone balls were shot instead of arrows. It took 2 hours to reload the cannons. They were expensive and the ore could break when fired, killing the gunners. Bronze ores were safer but more expensive. In the 16th century, they switched to iron ores that were not as expensive and loading improved in the battlefield.

In 1520, the harquebus gun was invented. It was the first hand held firearm. This gun only shot one bullet and took a long time to reload. While reloading, pikes were used to defend themselves. These guns too, were very expensive. Sometimes they attached the gun to the pike handle making defense easier. The harquebus gun works by pulling the trigger and a serrated wheel rotates against a chunk of iron pyrates causing a shower of sparks that would discharge the gun. In the late 16th century, the musket was invented. It was about 6 feet long, had an iron barrel and lead bullets with a range of 600 feet. By the 17th century, bayonets were now used instead of pikes.

During the Renaissance, flexible metal plates were worn. The metal was riveted together restricting movement. The armor was very expensive and really did not provide adequate protection. If you fell off of your horse you became immobilized resulting in death. Later on, soldiers only wore helmets and breast plates as armor. This provided protection with the least amount of restriction of movement. Although it was less armor, it prevented fatal injury.

The Renaisssance was a time of many conflicts. Weapons were very important, very valuable and expensive. Whoever had superior weapons had a better chance of winning. There were many changes and improvements in weapons during the Renaissance.

Source: //The Renaissance//, Volume 1