The bardiche is a medieval polearm, the name comes from the Russian "berdysh". This particular weapon is an axe with a narrow, 2 - 3 foot long head, mounted on a pole up to 8 feet long. The head usually comes to a point at the end, allowing this polearm to be used for thrusting as well as chopping.

This weapon was a transitional step between the fauchard (including similar arms), and the halberd (and other pole axes). This weapon was primarily used in Eastern Europe during the middle ages.

The bardiche was a very heavy and bulky weapon, and it took a strong man to wield one properly. Despite the weight, the bardiche was one of the few polearms that was commonly used on horseback. The rider would wear a shoulder strap attached to two rings on the weapon.

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