👉 The pike is a long, narrow pole with a broad, flat top, historically used as a defensive weapon in medieval warfare. It was primarily employed by infantry units to form a protective barrier against cavalry charges, with soldiers standing shoulder-to-shoulder and pikes aligned to block the path of attackers. The pike's design allowed it to be effective against both mounted and unarmored opponents, offering a formidable defensive advantage. Its height also made it difficult for enemies to approach closely, further enhancing its protective capabilities. Over time, pikes evolved in length and design, becoming more specialized for different combat scenarios.