Page 55 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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▼ WINGED SPEARHEAD This lugged or “winged” iron spearhead Decoration
Date 700–800ce has a leaf-shaped blade and a tapered also helps
iron socket. The wings could prevent provide grip
Origin Northern Europe the spear blade from getting stuck in
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Length 18 ⁄2in (47cm) an opponent’s body or hook a shield
out of the way. VIKING WEAPONR

▼ LATE VIKING SWORD As with most swords found on ▲ VIKING SWORD HILT
Date 900–1000ce archaeological sites, this later Viking Date 950–1050ce
sword blade is badly corroded, making
Origin Northern Europe the interpretation of runic inscriptions Origin Northern Europe
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Weight 3 ⁄4lb (1.5kg) on the blade very difficult. Its wooden Length 10in (25cm)
Length 32–39in (80–100cm) scabbard and hilt have also rotted away. Crafted from copper and inlaid with Y AND ARMOR
Blade tapers more geometric designs in silver, this ornate
towards the point hilt was too fine to be used in battle,
and probably belonged to a chieftain.

Two-edged
▼ TAPERED SWORD This broad, straight, two-edged pattern-welded blade ▲ STRAIGHT-SIDED SWORD The sword shown here is typical
Date 900–1100ce blade retains traces of an inlaid Date 900–1000ce of Viking weapons, which were
inscription—now indecipherable— mostly straight-sided and of about
Origin Scandinavia and a scroll-design pommel, but its Origin Scandinavia the same size, with a simple cross-
Weight 3 ⁄4lb (1.5kg) grip is missing. The sword is more Weight 3 ⁄4lb (1.5kg) guard and pommel. Its blade is
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Length 35in (90cm) tapered than earlier versions. Fuller to Length 35in (90cm) inlaid with a figure-eight mark.
lighten blade
Brightly painted
pattern

Thick, square-
section, downward- Edge bound
pointing quillons Broad, crescent-
shaped blade with leather
or iron

▶ PAINTED WOODEN SHIELD
Date 900–1000ce
Origin Northern Europe
Weight 11lb (5kg)
Cutting edge Diameter 28–39in (70–100cm)
made of
hardened steel Viking shields were made from wood and
covered with leather. They had an iron boss
in the center, which could be used for
striking opponents. This example is a
modern replica.
Long handle
to allow two-
handed blow

◀ IRON AX The example shown here is one of
Date c.900ce the three forms of Viking ax, the
“bearded” ax. Its elongated lower
Origin Europe edge and slanting blade were
suited for downward blows.