Viking sword
| Viking sword | |
|---|---|
 Viking swords displayed at the Wikingermuseum in Hedeby. |
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| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | unknown |
| Service history | |
| In service | ca. 700 - 1000 |
| Used by | Viking & various Europeans |
| Production history | |
| Designer | unknown |
| Designed | unknown |
| Manufacturer | unknown |
| Unit cost | unknown |
| Produced | 700-1100 a.d. |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | avg. 1.1 kg (2.5 lb) |
| Length | 91 - 100 cm (36 - 39 in) |
| Barrel length | avg. 74 cm (29 in) |
| Width | 5 cm (2 in) |
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| Blade type | Double-edged, straight bladed, slight taper, |
| Hilt type | One-handed with pommel, variable guard |
| Head type | acute distal taper,and point |
The Viking sword was the main type of sword used in North Western Europe during the Viking Age. Although called "Viking sword", this style of sword was not exclusively limited to Vikings and was used by other peoples.
Contents |
[edit] Morphology
It was a development of the Roman spatha, evolving out of the Migration Period sword in the 8th century, and into the classical knightly sword in the 11th century with the emergence of larger cross-guards.
Blade length varied from 28 to 33 inches.[1] Early example have single, deep, wide fullers running the full length of the blade.[1] Later examples have multiple narrow fullers.[1] These fullers were used to increase the strength of the sword while reducing the weight at the same time. This weight reduction would allow the wielder to swing faster and harder strokes.
All have short single-handed hilts whith pyramid, lobed or cocked-hat style pommels. Pommels were made of iron and were heavier than on the earlier Migration Period sword. They started to act as a counterweight to the blade.[1]
[edit] Distribution
While the pattern of hilt and blade design of this time might readily be called "the Viking sword" to do so would be to disregard the widespread popularity swords of this sort enjoyed.[citation needed] All over continental Europe between 700-1000 AD this design and its small variations could be found.[citation needed] Only the wealthier Viking goðar, jarls, and sometimes selected freemen wielded swords, while ordinary freeman tended to carry axes, spears or/and slings.
[edit] See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Viking swords |
[edit] Notes
[edit] External links
- Wiglaf's Weapon Widget Database of Viking swords.
