AngloSaxon Weaponary

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Anglo-Saxon Weaponary
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Significance of Weapons

• Swords
• Helmets
• Shields

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Swords
Sword Hilts

• In early Anglo-Saxon times the sword was almost
  parallel to the tip, and then tapered to a point.
  
• Swords were very valuable and were often handed
  down from generation to generation, or were
  received or given as gifts by great warriors and
  kings.
• Swords were used in defense during battles and
  for hunting purposes.

Silver Inlayed Iron Pommel and Grip
Typical Viking Sword
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Helmets

• Head armor of the period consisted of helmets.
  Helmets were made in a variety of ways and from
  several materials, with the single objective of
  resisting another blow from a sword.
• Being made from bands of metal forming a
  framework which was 'filled in' by riveting
  metal, leather or panels into it. Sometimes a
  nasal would be included to protect the face,
  mostly as an extension of the framework although
  it could be added separately.

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Shields

• Shields seem to have been used universally by all
  warriors.
• Traditionally shields were made of linden wood
  although other timbers may also have been used
  such as Alder and Poplar.
• Round shields seem to have varied in size from
  around 8 48 in diameter but the smaller and
  more manageable 30 36 is the most common.
• Tests have shown that lime wood shields are
  naturally very good at taking blows and resisting
  splitting, and they are good at trapping spears
  when fought with.

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Bibliography
SLADESANGLO-SAXONIAEald Englisc Spræc ond
Beowulfian Mattershttp//www.cog.jhu.edu/7Eslad
e/saxon.htmlfun ANGLO-SAXONWARFARE
RECREATIONhttp//www.cog.jhu.edu/7Eslade/saxon.h
tmlfun SWORDS http//www.regia.org/sword.htm HELM
ETS http//www.regia.org/helmet.htm SHIELDS http/
/www.regia.org/shields.htm
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Credits
PowerPoint Amber Daniel Poster
Board Jasmine John Brie