Science & Technology

of Beowulf

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

 

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)

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

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
   

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
                

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
          

 
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
         

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
       
The famous shield wall used at Hastings




  • 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
Smiths were highly regarded


A crucible device used to weld

Beowulf

By mishftw

Beowulf

The science and technology of Beowolf

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