The development of weapons by the Viking began around 400-750 CE during the Germanic iron age by the Nordic tribes. Fully developed weapons and weapon making processes occurred around 750-800 CE, just a few years before the first recorded Viking raid. Either it be from helping the Vikings win many battles, or helping the Vikings explore and expand their culture across Northern and Western Europe, weapons played a key role in the Viking civilization.

 Surrounded by many threats, the Vikings developed weapons to help defend off invaders and plunderers. Additionally, the Vikings needed weapons to help conquer and plunder villages and Christian monasteries. Another reason the Vikings needed weapons was for social order.  According to Rice, with social classes, the poor may have only been able to use their wooden farm axe, while the rich may have been able to use an iron sword, shield, axe, and a bow and arrow. “A study of Viking age burials in Western Norway revealed that of the graves in which weapons were found, 61% of them contained one weapon, while only 15% contained three or more.”

Another major reason that Vikings needed weapons was that The Vikings also used weapons as a response to respect or honor. Any attempt to diminish another person's respect or honor was met with weapons, as were many other problems that occurred in this civilization (Hurtswic). The way weapons worked in the social world of the Vikings has created a difference between the Vikings and other civilizations in the time period. The Vikings did not have a diplomatic way of solving problems, but rather solving problems with dueling. “Any attempt to diminish honor was answered with weapons, or the credible threat of the use of weapons. The law permitted it. Society demanded it. Lost honor could be recovered in a number of ways, including legal proceedings, a duel, or a reprisal attack” (Hurtswic).