A double-edged sword found in a grave north of the fort in Birka, Sweden. The very finest examples of the Viking sword-making craft are probably the legendary Ulfberht swords, which were strong, flexible and sharp thanks to a remarkably sophisticated manufacturing process that has baffled modern archaeologists.
Until the discovery of Ulfberht swords it was thought that the temperatures required to accomplish such results only became possible during the Industrial Revolution, some years later! Vikings needed weapons for their famous plundering raids but also for defending their families. The axe was a popular Viking tool, used by most people on a day-to-day basis. But the axes that the Vikings used for chopping wood were usually of a more straightforward build than those designed specifically for fighting.
Battle axes were built with long handles, which granted warriors a better reach, and would typically be light and well-balanced for use in nimble combat. Probably the most common Viking weapon, spears were typically cheaper to make than other weapons as their manufacture required less iron.
They were also effective and versatile, and could be either thrown or thrust at the enemy. Spears took many forms; they ranged from 3 to 10 feet in length and were equipped with a variety of differently shaped spear heads. By: James MacDonald. May 22, May 22, Share Tweet Email Print. Have a correction or comment about this article? Please contact us. Viking Swords in Ireland. Archaeology Ireland, Vol.
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The idea of altering the climate instead of tackling emissions in earnest inspires widespread angst. Swords were often highly decorated and many had names such as Blood-hungry or Leg-biter. Vikings carried their swords in scabbards, worn over the shoulder and always accessible to the right hand. More Viking men carried axes or spears.
Battle axes had long handles, were light, well balanced and deadly. Battle axes had a variety of head shapes with a cutting edge from 3 to 6 inches.
Later axe heads were much larger, from 9 to 18 inches long. The long handle allowed the warrior a longer reach in a fight. Axe heads as well as swords were richly decorated.
The Mammen axe dated to even had gold and silver inlay. Spears were probably the most common weapon, taking the least amount of iron to make. They could be thrown or used to thrust at the enemy. Spear heads came in a variety of shapes and sizes from long and thin to spear heads with a wing shape near the shaft.
Spear heads were also made of iron and many were decorated. Bows and arrows were also used in battle.
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