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Science & Technology
of Beowulf
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Angon
- Javelin spear based on Roman pilum
- Once it struck shield, barbs locked it in place
- Cheap to make and allowed for distance from target
- Used by peasants all the way to nobility
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-p.slid.es/uploads/mishftw/images/896291/War21.jpg)
scramseax
- Carried by all levels of warriors
- Doubled as everyday all-purpose pocket knife
- Hadseax was shorter (3-14 inches)
- Langseax was longer (22-30 inches)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-p.slid.es/uploads/mishftw/images/896282/888-892.jpg)
Axe
- Most commonly associated with Scandinavians
- Made using wood and joining it to blade
- Great for offense, instilled fear and could be swung in rage
- Terrible for defense, could be easily disarmed
![](http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/schools/primaryhistory/images/vikings/viking_raiders/vk_weapons.jpg)
MIssiles
- Anglo-Saxons used bows mainly for hunting
- Could be used in battle, with mass arrows fired
- Iron arrowheads were usually too big to pierce mail
- Arrowheads eventually became small enough
- Slings were also used
![](http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/consumption/groups/public/documents/article/~export/NCC082700~2~NMAS_Def_Con_Template~snippet_only_layout/20746-1.gif)
Swords
- Uncommon, handed down thru generations
- The Roman spatha influenced design
- Blade was approximately 30 inches long
- Required master skill to forge a good sword
- Leather scabbard protected from weather
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-p.slid.es/uploads/mishftw/images/896318/2009040FL1.jpg)
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MAIL Armor
- Earliest known use by Etruscans
- Used by northern Italian Gauls
- Adopted by Romans
- Widely used until Middle Ages
- Phased out in favor of plated armor
MAIL Armor
- Adopted as main armor for Anglo-Saxons
- Forged using links of small iron
- Covered arms to protect cavalry
- Effective against swords
- Didn't fare as well against arrows and clubs
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-p.slid.es/uploads/mishftw/images/896234/HelmAventail.jpg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-p.slid.es/uploads/mishftw/images/896236/Chausse.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Harold_dead_bayeux_tapestry.png)
Soldiers depicted wearing mail armor
helmets
- Designed to protect head against sword strike
- Made of riveted or single iron sheet
- Typically had mail curtain behind to protect neck
- Domed shape gave way to pointed top
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![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-p.slid.es/uploads/mishftw/images/896239/ImageI77.jpg)
Shields
- Round shields were the norm from 1st to 10th century
- After 10th century, started covering legs and lower body
- Rimmed with leather or hide
- Center was reinforced with metal
![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2620/3879075559_bf05289241_z.jpg)
![](http://www.davidhobbsillustration.com/USERIMAGES/ShieldVillage%20025.jpg)
The famous shield wall used at Hastings
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- Metal has always been linked with power
- Very important commodity for the Anglo-Saxons
- Highly versatile
- Like Bronze 2.0 but better
- Used to make diverse items
- Farm tools and knife were more practical
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-p.slid.es/uploads/mishftw/images/896141/ironsmith.png)
Smiths were highly regarded
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A crucible device used to weld
Beowulf
By mishftw
Beowulf
The science and technology of Beowolf
- 1,293