Cavalry Lance

0:0:0A lance is a spear-like pole weapon designed for use by cavalry. It emerged during the Middle Ages, well past the adoption of bladed and archery weapons, and some time after the development of stirrups. Lances were used almost exclusively by Byzantine cavalry, and were the favored weapons of mercenaries and Western armies. One's lance would often carry a pennon (pennant) as a personal ensign.

In its prime, the lance was very effective as a shock weapon during cavalry charges, and in pursuit of fleeing foot soldiers. Its capable use while dismounted also led to the development of the pike as a deterrent weapon. However, it was also seen as a single-use weapon (often breaking after impact) to be supplemented by sabres, and clumsy to use in forests and other confining terrain.

Though falling out of favor by the time firearms were adopted, they continued to see combat into World War I. In modern times, lances (and cavalry) remain a ceremonial symbol.

Battlefield 1
The lance is a melee weapon available on horseback, anticipated to be released in the Battlefield 1: In the Name of the Tsar DLC expansion. It is not yet known whether the weapon is an addition or per-map replacement, which slot it occupies, or if it is available while dismounted.