Weapons

Figure 1: Display of chainmail armor and swords

Introductory of Weapons

Vikings were in full effect from 800 CE to 1050 CE in Scandinavia, which is Northern Europe now, consisting of countries like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Vikings weapons are extremely versatile and can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes. Vikings originally got weapons from the Frankish Empire Rhineland, which imported weapons, but mainly swords like the Ulfberht to Scandinavia. It ranged from weapons like spears, which were the most commonly used, to swords, which were the most expensive and hardest to acquire at the time. Spears were the easiest to obtain and were used by most soldiers, whilst swords were extremely hard to come across and were sometimes buried with fallen soldiers due to their significance and rarity. Vikings were sea-borne warriors, so they tended to travel a lot overseas to conquer new land and territories. Weapons came in handy, while they battled to protect their civilization.

Offensive

Figure 2: Assortment of weapons used by Vikings

As for offensive, Vikings were a group of soldiers who were always on land or sea, fighting for their civilization. There was a wide variety of weapons the Vikings used like spears, axes, bows and arrows, swords, and knives. They’d embellish them with designs and took great care of their weapons. There are many variations of these weapons as well into smaller subgroups for different functions. For example, there are both long-range and short-ranged axes used in most battles. Mainly spears, bows, and long-ranged axes were used for long-distance battles from afar. Swords, knives, and short-ranged axes were used for close hand-to-hand combat and short-distance encounters.

Defensive

Figure 3: People fighting in chainmail armor

This particular group of Scandinavians were extremely resourceful when it came to defending their own. Vikings had a variation of battle tactics due to their ability to be resourceful. For example, they made a formation that helped shield off any enemies called the "Shield Wall”, which was an arrangement of soldiers where they’d leave little to no space to make a durable wall shaped blockade. This was a defensive measure used by the Vikings to protect themselves from powerful opponents. The Vikings civilization was known to be an overly populated community, which implies they need an authoritative and strategic set of troops to protect them from any harm.

Alternative Uses for Weapons

Figure 4: Seax Knife

Weapons weren’t only used for gruesome battles and a wide majority of Vikings weren’t even soldiers, but were farmers. Saexes, a type of knife used by the Vikings, was often used for hunting and carving. Vikings were much more than their accomplishments and achievements as warriors, but contributed inventions like the longboats, metallurgy, Scandinavian government known as “The Thing”, and assortments of literature. This civilization truly made significant additions to the modern day world more than the average person would think.

Websites with More information!

Jorvik Viking Centre- Viking Weapons

This link expands and gives more details about both weapons and armor. For example, spears, chainmail armor, and shields are all incorporated into this website.

Figure 4

Fiveable- Viking Age Weapons

This source describes both offensive and defensive as well, but also includes strategies, battle tactics, and craftsmanship rather than armor.

Figure 5

BBC- Viking Weapons and Warfare

This website talks about weapons and armor, but also battle strategy, ships, and forts. It even uses examples of how weapons were used and their designs.

Figure 6

Creator - Sophia

Curator - Peter

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