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Swords and Weapons by
Historical Period - Viking and Anglo Saxon Periods
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Viking Age swords, weapons and armour - Our
knowledge about arms and armour of the Viking age (8th to 11th centuries
Europe) is based on relatively sparse archaeological finds, pictorial representation,
and to some extent on the accounts in the Norse sagas and Norse laws recorded
in the 13th century.
According to custom, all free Norse men were required to own weapons,
as well as permitted to carry them at all times. These arms were also indicative
of a Viking's social status. A wealthy Viking would have a complete ensemble
of a helmet, shield, chainmail shirt, and animal-skin coat, among various
other armaments. A lesser off man, however, could only afford a single
weapon, and perhaps a shield.
The spear and shield were the most basic armaments of the Viking
warrior; most would probably also wear a dagger or knife of some description,
commonly of the seax type. As an alternative, or perhaps in addition, to
the spear a warrior might carry a bow or axe. The wealthiest Vikings would
have worn a sword in addition to his primary arms and have had access to
body armour, such as a helmet and a maille hauberk.
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