1. Godt mót! -I’m interested in the topic of Viking Battle Gear because I think it’s interesting to compare the gear the Vikings had to the stuff we use today -I learned almost everything in these sides other than some of the names -This information might be important to other people for upcoming tests(?) and because it is interesting general knowledge

2. VIKING BATTLE GEAR

3. Viking Weapons The Vikings had many weapons, these are just some of them

4. The Viking Spear Main Weapon of the Vikings The blades were very big and heavy and could even pierce armor Good thrusting weapon and could be thrown The head measured 20-60cm long

5. Viking Swords Very expensive due to lack of resources and knowledge Only important people could afford swords Status symbols, highly decorated hilts They were so personal that they were often named

6. Viking Battle Axe The battle axe was affordable because it was also used as a work axe This powerful weapon could pulverize amour and leave a wound One version the “bearded axe” has been found to be able to decapitate an ox in one blow

7. Viking Sax A single edged Short Sword Hilts for these were made of wood, bone or horn Crudely fabricated usually made by smiths locally

8. Viking Seax Large Single edged knife common among Viking free-men The viking version of the modern day machete Larger Seax’s were used to double as swords.

9. The “mail piercer“ Comes from the Norse word ‘Atgeir” Said to be a lot like a glaive Mentioned in Njáls saga and other Norse sagas Viking Halberd

10. Bows & Arrows Common of southern enemies Not very affective against enemies superior bows & arrows Disadvantage for vikings Made of Yew, Ash or Elm wood Ranges of 250m with 90lbs of force (400N) One found with 100+ lbs of force and fired to about 480m Arrow heads of iron, wood or antler and use of eagle feathers is also present

11. Viking Defensive Gear

12. Viking Armour Chain Mail was use but it’s long processing time made it expensive Made of interlocking chain loops Viking Lamellar armor was found in Sweden Made of metal scales

13. Viking Helmets Simple cup shapes Most had nose strips, while more complex ones had Goggles and neck protectors Viking helmets DID NOT HAVE HORNS!

14. Viking Shield Shields were round and made of wood Sometimes covered with leather, or a metal band to strengthen them The usual size was about 1m diameter A heavy iron boss in the center

15. Other Viking Stuff Vikings have tones of other interesting stuff but only these two fit the title

16. Viking Horses Norse horses are smaller and slower than European horses Vikings fought on foot instead of horseback like the Europeans Some European horses were looted but the cold slowed breeding and only the strongest horses survived

17. Viking Ships No saws were used to build the hulls of these, instead they overlapped and use wedges and mallets Propelled by oars, and a single rectangle shaped sail

18. Text Sources: http://warviking.tripod.com/realweaponsandarmor.html http://www.medieval- castles.org/index.php/viking_weapons_warfare_norse_fighter s_wehttp://www.medieval- castles.org/index.php/viking_weapons_warfare_norse_fighter s_we http://militaryhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/viking_warfare http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_Age_arms_and_armour#Bo ws_and_Arrowshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_Age_arms_and_armour#Bo ws_and_Arrows http://www.viking-shield.com/weapons.html http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/manufacturing/text/viki ng_sax.htmhttp://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/manufacturing/text/viki ng_sax.htm