Quote Originally Posted by Alejandro View Post
The spear is one of the simplest weapons humans used in large numbers. It's cheap to make, easy to take care of, and the training is very basic (always point this end at enemy. more spears together is good.)
And it's a two-handed thrusting weapon, which makes it devastating yet very fast and nimble, and it has more reach than any sword. All pros and cons considered, it's the best weapon in history.

And it can be used very effectively by a single fighter without a shield if he is well trained. I've seen people mention multiple times that in mock fights with spear versus anything, spear almost always wins.