Lance (Pike)
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 16th century
Material: Metal & Wood
Dimensions (cm): 259,5
Weight: 2183 g
Inv. no.: PD1048
An attack weapon consisting of a long rod ending in a spearhead, used by the infantry as a thrusting weapon to take down enemy cavalry.
Lances are ancient hafted weapons, that have been used by humans since the Stone Age, particularly during the Neolithic period (c.10,000 – c.3,000 BC).
They may be categorized into three types: naval, infantry and cavalry. The objects in the Ducal Palace fall into the latter two categories. The infantry lance, often used by auxiliary forces, was a simpler weapon; while the cavalry lance was the first weapon deployed upon entering a battlefield.
