Battle axe types6/30/2023 ![]() ![]() Neck- Part of the axe that attaches to a haft/handle.Spurs- Projections on the top and underside of the axe next to the eye and haft/handle.There are three main identifying parts of an axe head: The Danish axe is triangular in shape and features a wide, curved blade. They are characterized by a long section of the blade that hangs below the rest of the axe head. The first bearded axes date to the early 8th century. Although twelve types are listed here, Petersen’s typology can be simplified even further into two main categories of axes: bearded and Danish. This typology has been the standard tool for axe identification since its creation in 1919. The following are Petersen’s Viking axe types. The typology also has enduring influence on the study of Viking axes and weaponry more broadly. It follows the same lettering system as his sword typology, so those familiar with that typology will find the axe version easy to follow. R.E.M Wheeler, another influential Viking scholar, also created a Viking axe typology that proves useful.įor your ease of reading, we will use Petersen’s typology in this article. Petersen’s axe typology remains the standard amongst archaeologists and other experts. Silar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons These reproduction items are used for reenactments. A variety of Viking axe types rest among helmets, swords, and shields. Axes are categorized by their head shape, intended use, and time period. Petersen assigned a letter of the alphabet to different sword designs. His most famous typology organizes Viking swords based on their hilt designs. Jan Petersen was one of the first scholars to create typologies of Viking weapons. They are defined as “systems for the classification of objects into groups according to traits held in common.”ĭr. Typologies are essential tools for archaeologists and related professionals. One of the most enduring methods of Viking axe identification is the typology. These categories come together to create a typology of Viking axes. However, the Vikings actually used several types of axe heads which have been categorized by archaeologists. ![]() The axe may seem simple enough to understand because we are all familiar with the basic design and function of this tool. Vikings used axes in battle along with swords, spears, seaxes, and shields. Norse sagas also provide evidence of the use of axes in battles throughout the Viking Age. They have been recovered in hundreds of Viking graves. Vikings of every social status owned and used axes. The simple design of the axe and its portability made the axe a signature weapon of the Vikings. Andreas Bloch, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsĪxes were the most common weapon used by the Vikings and proved useful for both battle and everyday tasks. This weapon is a symbol of the Vikings and Norse history. A postcard illustration featuring a Norwegian woman wielding an axe. While the Viking sword is one of the most fascinating artifacts left behind by the Vikings, a more utilitarian but no less important weapon was the Viking axe. We have already covered the Viking sword and its many variations. Tv shows, movies, and reenactments are great sources of entertainment, but Norse literature, mythology, and archaeology from the Viking Age (793-1066 AD) helps us piece together what life was really like for the early medieval Vikings. Yet much of what we understand about the Vikings is not historically accurate. Viking history and culture continues to fascinate us today.
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