Page 54 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

52 VIKING WEAPONRY

WMEN 500–1500 AND ARMOR ▲ PATTERN-WELDED SWORD Many Viking swords, such as Wing on

The Vikings were warriors from Scandinavia who
either side
carried out raids across northwest Europe from about 800
this one, were pattern-welded. This
to 1050ce, also reaching Russia, Iceland, and Greenland.
Date 700–800ce
process involves adding carbon to
Renowned as individual fighters, they defended from behind
Origin Denmark
red-hot iron and a number of rods,
a wall of shields before emerging to strike their opponents.
Weight 3 ⁄4lb (1.5kg)
1
which are twisted together and
a patterned appearance.
long, straight double-edged swords, while some brandished
AND BO Their main weapon was an ax, although many also carried Length 35in (90cm) hammered flat repeatedly to give
a single-edged, shorter version, the seax. Most were lightly
armored with leather or, occasionally, mail coats, and
carried heavy shields.
Large, decorated
Short sleeve allows arm
KNIGHTS to move freely pommel ▲ DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD make up dome
Date 800–1100ce
Origin Denmark
Shaped plates
1
Weight 3 ⁄4lb (1.5kg)
Length 35in (90cm)
This blade, like most Viking swords,
is quite blunt at the tip because it was
used for slashing and cutting rather than
stabbing. The fuller—a groove that
runs the length of the sword—makes
it lighter and easier to use.
◀ MAIL COAT
Date c.1000ce
Origin Northern Europe
Material Iron
Mail coats had iron links—as visible on this
modern replica—that were formed by
winding iron wire tightly around a metal
pole, then clipping individual coils from
the spiral. Coats of mail could weigh up
to 30lb (14kg) and were usually only worn
by richer Vikings.

Links riveted
individually
Animal
decoration

Dome composed
of four plates

Spectacled
visor protects
eyes and nose

▶ SWEDISH HELMET
Date 700–800ce
Origin Sweden
▲ GJERMUNDBU HELMET Made from four iron plates, this Material Iron Nasal guard
Date c.875ce helmet was found near Gjermundbu This helmet with a spectacled visor was offers nose
in Norway, in 1943. It is thought protection
Origin Norway found in a grave at Vendel in Sweden.
to have been used by Norsemen Very few Viking helmets have been
Material Iron in the Viking Period. found, compared with axes and swords.