5th Century Warfare

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5th Century Warfare

• By Keith Joseph

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Weaponry

• During the 5th century there were many weapons
  used, the most popular being the spear followed
  by the seaxe, shield, sword, bow and sling.

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The Spear

• The spear was the main weapon of the time. Broad
  bladed and angon spears were the most common.
• The broad bladed spear was usually 7 feet long
  with a leaf shape or angled spear point.
• The angon spear had a barbed point and had a long
  slender neck made of iron and was usually 6-8
  feet long.

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Anglo Saxon spear heads that were common during
the 5th century
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The Seax

• Was a short sword the was usually 12-16 inches
  long with a leather sheath and was carried by all
  Anglo Saxon warriors.

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Reconstruction of Anglo Saxon seax
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Shield

• The most common type of shield of the time was
  often made of wood covered in thick leather with
  a metal center.

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Common Saxon shield
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Sword

• Swords were uncommon during the 5th century and
  were only used by warriors who could afford them.
  Those swords were often 2 handed and made of iron.

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Bow and Sling

• These weapons were rarely used due to the skill
  required to be accurate.

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Tactics

• Warriors would make a spear wall while defending
  against oncoming attackers. Attacks were led by
  mass charges against enemy flanks.

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Common Misconceptions

• Armor was very rare during this time, knights and
  warriors would often wear thick leather over
  vital areas.
• Swords were only used by those who could afford
  them.
• Horses were very expensive and were only used by
  the rich, saddles and stirrups had not yet been
  perfected so a strip of thick fabric and leather
  was used.

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Questions?

• What was the most popular weapon of the 5th
  century?
• a. the spear
• b. the seax
• c. the bow
• Which of the following is NOT a common
  misconception.
• a. armor was rare
• b. the seax was carried by all warriors
• d. swords were rare

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THE END