Ancient history

How heavy is a lance?

Lances have different weights depending on their design, purpose, and the period they were used. They can range from a few pounds to several dozen pounds.

Lances used by European knights during the Middle Ages typically weighed between 15 and 30 pounds. These lances were designed to be thrust with great force against an opponent, and their weight helped to generate momentum and penetrate armour.

Lighter lances, weighing around 10 to 15 pounds, were used for hunting or for training. These lances were often made of wood, and they were designed to be thrown rather than thrust.

Heavier lances, weighing up to 50 pounds or more, were used for certain types of combat, such as jousting. These lances were designed to withstand the impact of a collision between two knights on horseback, and their weight helped to absorb some of the impact.