Close-Combat Handheld Weapons On Ships: 1400 - 1600 C.E.

Summary

This is a poster submission presented at the 2025 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Between 1400 and 1600 C.E., close-combat handheld weapons were widespread and often found on ships. Although naval battles are often associated with cannon fire, blunt weapons were used to strike an opponent while bladed weapons were useful for slashing or thrusting. This poster will discuss the use of close-combat handheld weapons on ships from 1400 to 1600 C.E. by analyzing historical documents, including military writings about Zheng He’s fleet, and archaeological evidence: specifically the three shipwrecks San Pedro, Santa Clara, and Mary Rose. By examining this evidence, this study aims to better understand the role these weapons play within the context of naval technology, intercontinental interactions, class distinctions, and warfare practices.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2025   •
• 2025 SHA Poster Submissions

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow