The Scimitar

[DaveM]

As you well know our club badge displays a pair of crossed swords, or scimitars of eastern origin. The connection with saracens is explained as follows:-

 

Description of Scimitar
The weapons used during the Middle Ages include the Scimitar. The description of the Scimitar which provides basic facts and information about the weapon is as follows:

• Scimitar - This weapon was a type of sword most commonly associated with the Saracens in the Holy Land who fought against the Crusaders
• Used for slicing attacks and often used from horseback
• Scimitars had a distinct curved blade ending with a sharp point
• The blades had two styles - long, narrow curved blades or deeply curved, very wide blades
• The length of the blades ranged from 30 to 36 inches (76 to 92 centimetres)
• Designs of scimitars varied accommodating use as one or two-handed weapons
• Used as a close contact weapon and also used from horseback
• A blow could apply tremendous force inflicting significant injury to a knight in armor
• The weapon was primarily used for cutting or slicing an opponent and was capable of cutting off the limbs or head of an enemy in one stroke
• Type or group of weapons - Cutting Weapon

The Middle Ages was an extremely violent era in history featuring battles in both Europe and the Holy Land when the crusades, and the crusaders who fought them, were numerous. The Saracens used such weapons as the Scimitar in different types of warfare. The European quest for power led to invasions of the Holy Land and was with the Infidels, or Saracens. Siege warfare, waged to win a castle or a walled town or city, was a frequent occurrence during the crusades. Warfare during the Middle Ages, or Medieval era called for a variety of weapon expertise. The Scimitar was a weapon predominantly used by a Saracen.

Scimitar Training
Skill in the use of Medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in Medieval life. The training required by a Saracen to use the Scimitar :

• Training method - The training method practised in the use of the Scimitar was based on strength and accuracy in cutting, or 'slicing' the target
• A "hit" was scored in Medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area. A blunted or wooden weapon was used when practising with an opponent