What is a mace? Detailed analysis

The article tells about what a mace, when and by whom such weapons were used and what kinds of weapons exist.

Ancient times

One of the main differences between humans and other animals is the developed intellect. It is this factor along with other important and played a huge role in our evolution as a species. Of course, there are other circumstances that contributed to this, for example, developed social relations, mutual assistance, care for loved ones, children, etc. But all this could not have happened, do not have our ancestors a developed mind, which eventually "humanized" them. It is with his help that ancient people mastered the first tools of labor and war. And for a long time the main weapon of defense or attack remained just the mace. The reason for this was the simplicity of making and applying this thing. So what is a mace, what are the types of these weapons and how is it used today? In this we will understand.

Definition

First, let's define the terminology. According to the encyclopedia, the mace is a cold weapon, the principle of which is a shock-crushing action. They were made of wood, so that a club can be called any strong club, whose purpose is to defend or attack the enemies. So now we know what a mace is.

For a long time it remained the main type of weapon, along with spears and other. And even mastering the processing of stones, and later of metal as blades did not lead to the exit of cudgels from use. The reasons for this popularity were hidden in the simplicity of production - you just need to find a strong wooden billet and give it the right shape, in effective use - having more weight, they caused terrible wounds, and also in cheapness. After all, the same stone or metal must first be found and processed before being used in weapons, while the mace was made from almost any tree. So we sorted out what a mace is.

Kinds

Even much later, for example, in the Middle Ages, when the treatment of iron became more or less accessible and common, the mace still remained a very popular type of weapon. As already mentioned, it's about efficiency, cheapness and simplicity of manufacture. But gradually its design was modified for a larger overall strength and more effective defeat of the enemies. For example, a studded metal ball was put on the wooden top, or the spikes were placed along the entire length of the club. Also, it was often lined with a thin layer of metal, modified the handle for a more comfortable grip, attached fasteners and so on. So we disassembled what a mace, the definition of this word and the species also considered.

Application

The use of such weapons is found in ancient annals quite often, which indicates its popularity even at a time when iron swords and sabers were in the course of action. The palaces were very popular among the abbots and bishops who participated in the Crusades. They were also used by various princes of Ancient Rus, for example, Dmitry Donskoy, and epic heroes with other heroes of legends and chronicles. So now we know what a mace is. A photo of this weapon shows powerful clubs of various sizes, ranging from the smallest ones for self-defense, ending with huge and bounded thorns.

Law

By the present legislation of Russia, the sword falls under the definition of cold steel, but only if certain parameters are available.

Modern application

Despite the fact that the weapon is very ancient, its last application was fixed not so long ago by historical measures. During the First World War, soldiers of the warring countries, often armed with "trench batons", which in fact were maces. In those years there was no automatic compact weapon, and fighting in narrow trenches and trenches with the help of long rifles was often very inconvenient. Because many soldiers used strong clubs.

Bylins

In tales of the heroes, there is often a mention of a damask club. So what is a bulat bulit? This is an ordinary club, but made entirely of damask metal. True, no cases of real use of such weapons have been met, as well as its archaeological finds.