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

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

          

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

       

• 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