By: James Starke & Josh Bricker September 2, 2009

 The main weapon of the period was the spear.  Not only for the peasant but also for the professional soldier.  Was maintained as long as possible through the battle..

 A light throwing spear.  Germanic warriors used a special type of javelin known as an 'angon'.  javelins could have been launched in battle when the two armies were about paces apart.

 It was generally stronger than the javelin  The length of the spear: m (5' - 9')  Broad leaf or lozenge shaped head  A central ridge for strength.

 Almost the same as the thrusting spear except for a few minor details.  Two projections which are used to catch and lock an opponent's spear, or to hook an opponents shield out of the way.

 Every warrior carried these, from the highest in rank to the peasant.  Basically like a modern day pocket knife.  In battle it could be used to finish off a felled opponent.  It could take the place of a broken sword in the midst of the battle.....

 Small hand axes tended to just be wood-axes which were used for combat.  The axe as a weapon is good in attack, but fairly poor as a tool to defend yourself with.  It is a weapon that quickly induces fear.

 'francisca'  quite small, with a thick triangular section at the socket, resulting in a very heavy blade for it's small size.  The Broadaxe, or Dane-axe  a two handed axe introduced by the Vikings  The Dane-axe was wielded by the Huscarls in the Battle of Hastings

 Anglo-Saxons seem to have used the bow mainly for hunting.  Used primarily for hunting small game the sling could have been used in war.  Against an armoured man it would have little effect.  Against an unarmoured target at close ranges it could break bones and crack skulls.  Modern day sling shot

 The most prized and lauded weapon  Not the most common one.  the shape of the sword was the same shape of the modern sword today  Varied in lengths  The Anglo-Saxons were skilled in making the weapon with steel.

 The main type of body armour in Anglo-Saxon times was mail.  It would stop the cuttin edge of most weapons.  Looked like a bunch of chains melted together.

 Head armour of the period consisted of helmets sometimes including a mail coif.  Used to deflect objects thrown towards the head.  Some earlier helmets also had cheek flaps to protect the side of the head and face.

 Shields seem to have been used universally by all warriors.  All shields apart from the early small ones were hung over the shoulder  The shield wall at the battle of Hastings was to all intense purposes solid and impenetrable, even to the hardiest cavalry rider and horse.  Used to deflect arrows or spears shot or thrown towards the target.

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