List of premodern combat weapons
This is a list of historical pre-modern weapons grouped according to their uses, with rough classes set aside for very similar weapons. Some weapons may fit more than one category (e.g. the spear may be used either as a polearm or as a projectile), and the earliest gunpowder weapons which fit within the period are also included. Offensive weapons. Melee weapons. Hand or fist weapons and fans. Single-handed weapons not resembling a straight dagger blade, usually wielded without wrist action; often protects the forearm. Edged and bladed weapons. Thrusting and cutting weapons for  melee combat. Col. D.H. Gordon's classification has been used where applicable. Swords. Long swords were classified by Gordon as longer than 28 inches/71 cm. Shortswords. Delineated as 20-28 inches/51–71 cm total length. Curved shortswords Straight shortswords Axe-like swords. Generally, convex blades used for heavy chopping or slashing. Fighting knives and daggers. Sickles and sickle like knives. Generally short, concave blades used for heavy cutting. Clubs and blunt weapons. Wielded with one or two hands at close quarters with swinging motions. Polearms and spears. Wielded mainly with two hands. Primarily for melee with sweeping, thrusting, and or hooking  motions. Spears. Thrown spears and javelins are listed under ranged weapons. Ranged weapons. Thrown. Throwing spears and javelins. All could be used as spears, but were designed and primarily used for throwing. Throwing axes. Could also be used as axe weapons, but were specifically designed for throwing. Composite projectile weapons. Having a built-in gun or ranged weapon combined with some other type of weapon. Flexible weapons. Whips. Used for whipping. Sectional and composite. Having multiple handles or holdable sections. Chains and ropes. Having a heavy object attached to a flexible chain or rope. Wielded by swinging, throwing, or projecting  the end, as well as wrapping, striking, and blocking with the chain or rope, sometimes attached to another type of weapon. Defensive weapons. Shields. Used not only to block strikes and missiles but also swung outwardly (or in quick upward motions) to strike an opponent. Also used to rush an opponent (known as shield bashing). Some shields had spikes, sharp edges, or other offensive designs.