The most popular Lithuanian offensive weapon was a 2-meter-long spear. Similarly, the basketball player Jonas Valančiūnas is 2.11 m tall. The spear was suitable for both throwing and close combat too. The most important close combat weapon was the sword. However, a simple battle - axe was much cheaper. During the war with the Crusaders, Lithuanians significantly improved their weaponry, and learned to use crossbows. The conquerors usually seized the weapons of their enemies too. The Lithuanians also brought artillery to the siege of the castles and the bombards were used first.
In the 16th century, almost all GLD infantry were armed with firearms. Infantrymen were very important not only in the battles, but also in capturing enemy fortresses. They acted as shield bearers, spearmen, and archers. Cavalries are soldiers who fight on horseback. Mounted hussars were armed with spears, swords, and shields. And the Tatar light cavalry did not wear armour but were skilled archers. The first Lithuanian Statute clearly specified the equipment of a mounted soldier: a ring, a helmet, a shield, a long spear, and a horse. However, only about 15% of the military looked like this.
In the 17th century, LDK periodically participated in wars for 56 years! "Winged" LDK hussars were the best cavalry in Europe then! These horsemen had nimble horses, expensive armour, and "wings" to frighten their enemies. The most important weapons of the hussars were a very long (longer than 5 steps of a child) but light hollow spear, a curved sword, a bludgeon and two pistols.
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