Quote Originally Posted by A.Saturnus
Well, the swordsmen we saw in MTW as common footsoldiers weren't historically correct. Most footmen were commoners and couldn't afford heavy armor or expansive weapons like swords. But the Zweihänders were a developement of the 15th century to counter pikes. Due to the prevalence of pikes and the scarceness of heavy war horses in that time many knights chose to fight afoot. Some joined mercenary companies and then usually fought as Zweihänders.
How about that. Because I always thought two handed swords were basically ceremonial weapons.

I guess the swords were extra long so they could cut off pike heads without getting too close? Not a job I would much fancy myself though, even with a suit of armour.