The footman's lance was a medieval weapon that was used from the Late Middle Ages, and as a staple weapon in the 16th and 17th centuries, until the 18th century, when increasing technological advance such as the development of the rifle and bayonet replaced it as the staple weapon for most armies. It was essentially a long spear used against knights or horsemen in battle. The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... The bayonet, still used in war as both knife and spearpoint. ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... (15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... (17th century - 18th century - 19th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 18th century refers to the century that lasted from 1701 through 1800. ... A rifle is any long gun which has a rifled barrel. ... The US Marine Corps OKC-3S bayonet From right to left: a carbine, a straight infantry officer sabre, a short curved infantry sabre (briquet), two bayonets. ... A spear is an ancient weapon, used for hunting and war. ... A silver statue of an armoured knight, created as a trophy in 1850 For the chess piece, see knight (chess). ...