In XVII-XVIII centuries, spears were well used not only by infantrymen, but also by cavalrymen. A cavalry lance was 2.8-2.9 m
(9-10 ft) long with a 12-cm (4") spear-head. Troopers used to fasten small flags - oriflammes - to their lances. During a charge, these flags
emitted a buzz sound that suppressed an enemy psychically. A thrust of cavalry lance was very strong because it used the kinetic energy of spanking
troop-horse. In the Middle Ages, a heavy knight spear - the ancestor of cavalry lance - was the main weapon of a knight. A champion could deliver such a
strong collision blow that no armor will stand. With firearms' forthcoming and with knights turning into regular cavalry, a lance gave place to a
broadsword and a pistol. By the XVIII century, mainly light cavalry was armed with lances.
