Saxons

Europe.

This axehead is likely from a ‘dane axe’. A common weapon in Europe at the time and famously used by ‘hauscarls’, the bodyguard of the King of England and the only professionally trained warriors in a Saxon army. Often taller than its user, the dane axe required two hands to wield it. This meant a warriors shield would be carried on their backs to leave the hands free for fighting. Great protection from behind but it left the front vulnerable.

England.

‘Seax’ is the Old English word for ‘knife’ and the name ‘Saxon’ actually comes from the word ‘seax’. Seaxs have a single edged blade and are multi-purpose weapons, being used for everyday things, like cutting meat, and potentially in battle. Both men and women carried them and they were often placed in a sheath that was worn on the waist. The handle would have been made from an organic material like bone or wood.

Northern Europe.

Spears were the most commonly used weapon in the saxon period. They were cheap,easy to make and relatively easy to use. The shaft of the spear would have been made from wood, and the head is made from iron. These weapons would have been used in conjunction with a shield wall, by placing the spears over the shields, for maximum effect.

Wollaston, Northamptonshire.

The Pioneer Helmet is one of only six Anglo- Saxon helmets ever to have been found in England from the 7th and 8th centuries. Found in a grave alongside a number of human bones, an iron sword and feathers (possibly from a pillow) it is believed the burial belonged to an warrior. The helmet is boar crested, like that owned by Beowulf in the famous saga. Boars were an important symbol to pagan Anglo-Saxons as they believed the goddess of protection, ‘Frigg’, rode into battle on a wild boar. Therefore a boar on the helmet would ensure protection from the goddess as well as evoking the ferocity of the animal within the wearer.