Definition
A pike is a pole weapon consisting of a long wooden shaft fitted with a metal spearhead, historically used by infantry troops for thrusting against enemy forces.
Overview
The pike was a principal infantry weapon in Europe from the late Middle Ages through the early modern period (approximately the 14th to 17th centuries). Pikemen fought in dense formations, commonly known as pike squares or phalanxes, to present a wall of spear points that could repel cavalry charges and break infantry assaults. Notable users included the Swiss mercenaries of the 15th century, the German Landsknechts of the 16th century, and the Spanish tercios of the 16th–17th centuries. The tactical effectiveness of the pike declined with the increased prevalence of firearms, particularly the musket, leading to its gradual abandonment by the end of the 17th century.
Etymology / Origin
The English term “pike” derives from Middle English pike, borrowed from Old French pique “point, spear,” which in turn originates from the Latin picum “pointed weapon.” The word is related to the German spieß and the Dutch piek, all referring to long thrusting weapons.
Characteristics
- Length: Typically 12–20 feet (3.5–6 m), with longer pikes (up to 25 ft) used in some formations.
- Shaft: Made of seasoned hardwood such as ash or pine; the shaft was often reinforced with iron bands to prevent breakage.
- Head: A steel or iron spearhead, generally leaf‑shaped, measuring 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in length. Some pikes featured side blades or secondary points to increase cutting ability.
- Weight: The overall weapon weighed between 6 and 10 lb (2.7–4.5 kg), depending on length and materials.
- Tactics: Pikemen stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder in ranks, with the front ranks presenting the points outward while rear ranks pushed forward to maintain pressure. Combined arms tactics often integrated musketeers behind the pike formation, allowing the volley fire of firearms to complement the defensive wall of pikes.
Related Topics
- Spear: A broader category of thrusting weapons of which the pike is a specialized, elongated form.
- Halberd: A pole weapon combining an axe blade, a spike, and a hook, used alongside pikes in some infantry units.
- Phalanx: An ancient Greek formation employing long spears (sarissas) that conceptually precedes the European pike square.
- Swiss Mercenaries: Noted for their effective use of pike tactics during the 15th century.
- Landsknechts: German mercenary infantry renowned for their colorful dress and disciplined pike formations.
- Spanish Tercios: Combined arms units of pikes, swords, and muskets that dominated European battlefields in the 16th century.
- Infantry Tactics: The evolution of foot soldier combat methods, including the transition from pike‑dominant formations to musket‑centric line infantry.