This fascinating reference covers the weapons and armor used by warriors from the 4th to the 15th century and discusses how and why they changed over time. * Narrative chapters follow the development of medieval weapons and armor in four periods: early medieval (376-750), Carolingian (750-1050), the Crusades (1050-1300), and late medieval (1300-1550) * The chronological reference section features vivid illustrations of representative swords, bows, cudgels, shields, and increasingly more sophisticated armor