The Long Spear: How Length Shaped the King of Cold Weapons

In the long history of cold weapons, the spear, or pike, was one of the most widely used and important tools of war. In ancient China, it earned the title “King of All Weapons,” and for good reason. Both infantry and cavalry relied on it for offense and defense, making it one of the most versatile weapons on the battlefield.

But what made the spear so dominant? One key factor was its length. A long spear could strike enemies from a safe distance, hold off cavalry, and give soldiers an edge in large formations. However, it wasn’t as simple as “the longer, the better.” A Chinese military text, the Kaogongji, warned that a weapon should not be longer than three times the user’s height, or it would become hard to control. That insight shows an early understanding of the trade-offs involved between reach, control, and practical use in combat.

In ancient China, early bronze spears from the Shang dynasty were already quite long, with some over 2.5 meters. Still, the spear played more of a support role at that time. During the Zhou dynasty, as chariot warfare became the standard, weapons had to adapt. Chariot spears grew in length to about 5.5 meters to fit the style of battle, while foot soldiers used shorter versions. This evolution continued through the Warring States period, when chariots lost importance and infantry and cavalry became more central. Spears replaced older weapons like the dagger-axe because they were easier to extend in length without throwing off balance, making them more practical in formation fighting.

Later, in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the rise of heavily armored cavalry created new demands. To break through tight formations, extra-long cavalry lances called ma shuo were developed. Historical records mention some nearly 6 meters long and as thick as a grown man’s wrist. While not common, they show the extreme experiments in weapon design that occurred during this period.

Across the world in medieval Europe, long spears evolved into pikes. The Swiss initially used halberds—shorter weapons good for chopping but weak against cavalry. After nearly being defeated in battle, they transitioned to long pikes, forming tight blocks of soldiers to counter cavalry charges. These early pikes started around 3 meters in length but kept growing, reaching over 5 or even 6 meters during the 16th century as European armies adapted to changing threats.

These long weapons weren’t just tools—they were psychological weapons as well. Facing a wall of 6-meter pikes required nerves of steel. Even the Spanish, known for their mobile warfare, had to add pike units to keep their lines solid. Meanwhile, cavalry kept their lances around 3.5 meters. They couldn't rely on length alone to break pike formations, so they focused on teamwork, timing, and working alongside gunmen and other units.

In the end, the story of the spear is about more than just length. It’s about balance—between reach and control, between strategy and brute force. Whether it was the bronze-tipped weapons of ancient Chinese charioteers or the massive pikes held by Swiss foot soldiers, the evolution of the spear reflects how much thought and adaptation went into the art of war.