What type of axe did Vikings use?

Vikings most commonly carried sturdy axes that could be thrown or swung with head-splitting force. The Mammen Axe is a famous example of such battle-axes, ideally suited for throwing and melee combat. An axe head was mostly wrought iron, with a steel cutting edge.

How effective was a Viking axe?

In reality, battle axes in the Viking age were light, fast, and well balanced, and were good for speedy, deadly attacks, as well as for a variety of nasty, clever moves. The axe was often the choice of the poorest man in the Viking age.

Did Vikings really use axes?

As well as their ships, weapons are also popularly associated with the Vikings. In the Viking Age a number of different types of weapons were used: swords, axes, bows and arrows, lances and spears. The Vikings also used various aids to protect themselves in combat: shields, helmets and chain mail.

What was a Viking axe made of?

iron
They have been found in the richly furnished warrior graves of the Viking Age, as well as in simple graves, in which the deceased had little to accompany them on their last journey. All the axes are made of iron, but some are more elaborately decorated than others.

Why did Vikings use axes?

Axes were a more common Viking weapon than swords because they were cheaper and could also be used for wood cutting. Axes ranged in length from one to five feet and in weight from one to six pounds. A longer heavier axe required the use of two hands, thus making the Viking sacrifice the use of a shield.

Did Vikings use axes?

The Viking battle axes were probably the most used weapon of the Vikings, possibly apart from the spear. The Viking warriors were mostly farmers and farmhands without huge budgets to buy weapons. When going off to fight the Viking would pick the tool he had close at hand, and the axe was something everyone owned.

What is the name of the Viking axe?

Viking axes came in various shapes and sizes and were known by different names. One of these is the Dane axe, which is also known as the English long axe, the Danish axe, and the hafted axe. The Dane axe is a two-handed weapon and was used exclusively for battle.

What is a Viking axe?

Viking axe is an umbrella term used to describe several different types of axes that were used by the Vikings during the Viking Age. Amongst the best-known Viking axes are the Dane axe and the bearded axe.