Poleaxe And Halberd: Comparing Two Medieval Polearms
Introducing Poleaxe - A Brief History 
Poleaxe, a versatile medieval weapon that emerged in the 14th century, was a popular hand-held tool for knights and soldiers. 

The weapon was constructed with a lengthy wooden shaft, usually around six feet in size, and a metal head comprising a hammer, a spike, and occasionally an ax-shaped blade. 

However, the poleaxe weapon offered its wielder the ability to perform three different types of attacks. This included the hammer for blunt force trauma, the spike for piercing, and the blade for slicing things up. 

Also, the sharp pointy end of the spike was designed to penetrate the plate armor of the opponent. Also, the hook-like side could grab onto the armor to immobilize them. 

The Poleaxe significantly impacted military history and became a staple weapon in Europe for a long time. 

Even Dungeons & Dragons 5e have included poleaxes in their weapons list and made them accessible to their players.

Introducing Halberd - A Brief History

The Halberd, a long pole weapon, has been used since medieval times. 
Despite the popular misconception that a halberd is the same as a glaive, there are distinct differences between the two weapons. 

The Halberd measures six to eight feet long and is characterized by its ax-like blade, pointed tip, and hooked end. 

Infantry soldiers primarily used it as a versatile tool capable of thrusting, hacking, and hooking. In contrast, the glaive is a sword on a long pole. 

With its blade affixed to the pole, it was used to slice and chop similarly to a traditional sword. 

Over time, the Halberd has played a crucial role in shaping the development of warfare. 

Its long reach, and versatile functions made it a powerful and effective weapon in battles. 
The Halberd may not be widely used today, but it remains an important weaponry with a rich history.

Polearms were some of the most common weapons used in medieval warfare. Among them, the poleaxe and halberd were two of the most versatile. 

These weapons were used by knights and soldiers for various purposes. From taking down armored riders to breaching castle walls, these  weapons were used in battles.

This guideline will discuss the pros and cons of poleaxes and halberds. Also, it will define which weapon is better suited for different battles.

The Poleaxe: Pros And Cons
The poleaxe is a type of polearm with a wooden shaft about six feet in length. It has a metal head consisting of a hammer, spike, and an axe-like blade. 

This weapon was popular among knights and soldiers due to its versatility. It could take down an armored rider, breach castle walls, or chop wood. The poleaxe's extended reach provides safer attacks and parries, especially when fighting in a group.

One advantage of the poleaxe is its weight and size, which can be an asset in battle. The heavy axe head and spike can deliver a powerful blow that can cause significant damage to the enemy. 

However, the weight and size of the weapon can also be a disadvantage. This makes it difficult to handle for some people. Also, it may not be as effective against an enemy who is not on horseback or not armored.
The Halberd: Pros And Cons
The halberd is another type of polearm similar to the poleaxe but with a blade, pointed tip, and hooked end. 

Like the poleaxe, the halberd can thrust, chop, and pull or disarm an enemy's shield. The halberd's extended reach provides safer attacks and parries, especially when fighting in a group. 

The hook on the back of the halberd could become entangled with the enemy's armor or weapons. This made it difficult to use.

One advantage of the halberd is its versatility. The additional hook on the back of the blade makes it more useful in close combat situations. In such situations the weapon can be used to disarm or trip up an opponent. 

The longer blade provides a longer reach than the poleaxe, making it easier to strike an opponent from a distance. 

However, the hook on the back of the blade can also be a disadvantage. As it can become entangled with the enemy's armor or weapons, making it difficult to use.

Which Weapon Is Better?
In terms of which weapon is better, it depends on the specific needs of the battle. A poleaxe may be more suitable for battles requiring cutting power. While a halberd may be more suitable for combat versatility. 

The halberd typically has a longer reach due to its longer blade. While a poleaxe has more cutting power due to its heavier ax head and spike. 

Halberds can also be more versatile in combat due to their additional hook on the back of the blade. While poleaxes are generally simpler in design.
Conclusion
Poleaxes and halberds were some of the most common polearms used in medieval warfare. Their impact can still be seen today. Choosing between a poleaxe and a halberd depends on the specific needs of the battle. 

Both weapons have pros and cons, and selecting the one best suited for the task at hand is important. Regardless of which weapon was chosen, these polearms played a significant role in medieval warfare. Their legacy is still felt today.