[William P]

not to mention that the byzantine heavy skirmishers in the 10th century used a 1 1/2 - 2 inch thick, 8 foot hewing/ winged spear as their primary arm
made out of a whole sapling.

now i should note that these guys primary role with this weapon, called the menavlion, was to reinforce the front row of the pikemen against a paticularly heavy cavalry charge by planting the butt into the ground and levelling the point at the horses
chests but the menavlion were still deemed good enough for some form of skirmishing,
they also carried a round shield strapped to one arm not unlike a rotella that allowed them ability to hold the menavlion in both hands.

in essence they were like the grenadiers of a Napoleonic line infantry regiment..

[Mart Shearer]

These cross-pierced Portuguese swords seem peculiar:
http://www.arscives.com/bladesign/discoverieswords.htm

[Pieter B.]

Does anyone know where I can get some information on the very first decade of the 16th century when it comes to Portuguese arms and armor? I am curious how the soldiers and men-at-arms on the first few Portuguese India Armada's were decked out. I found some references to the use of crossbows but beyond that i'm left in the dark.