What kind of armour did vikings wear

They consisted of metal heads with a blade and a hollow shaft, mounted on wooden shafts. They were typically two to three meters long, and they were usually made from the ash tree. The spear heads ranged from seven to eleven inches. Spears were used for throwing, thrusting, chopping or cutting; each spear was especially designed for its purpose.

Shields were the most common way of defending oneself, as opposed to armor. They were made from linden, fir, alder or poplar wood, and they were often reinforced with leather. Shields were often painted with colors and designs, such as sun wheels. The seax was a type of knife used by Vikings. It was a bit heavier than a regular knife, and was used similarly to a machete.

It was a simple weapon that was easy to make and use. Axes were the most common hand weapon. Swords were limited to wealthier Vikings, since they were much more expensive to make. Axe heads were generally made from wrought iron with a steel edge. Axes were used not just as weapons, but also as tools, making them practical for the common Viking. The larger axe which was made to be used with two hands was called the Dane Axe; it was used by warrior elites.

Axes could be either thrown or swung. Unlike axes, swords were very costly to make. The double-edged blades were up to 35 inches long, and were made from steel. The sword grip was made from wood, horn or antler. Leather was used to hold the sword over the shoulder. For much of the Viking Age, owning a sword was considered a special honor and a sign of high status. They were so valued that they were passed down from generation to generation.

Vikings who could afford to wear armor used helmets, metal armor made of chainmail, and a type of armor called lamellar, which consisted of iron plates sewn together.

Lower-status Vikings also used layers of quilted cloth, such as linen or wool, to protect the body during battle. If you use any of the content on this page in your own work, please use the code below to cite this page as the source of the content. Link will appear as Hanson, Marilee. Read More English History Topics. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Read more on our privacy policy here. Cookie Settings Accept All. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Researchers have found archeological evidence that aside from chainmail, the Vikings also used another form of metal armor.

This simple metal coat, known as lamellar armor, was discovered in Birka, Sweden. It is believed to have originated in the Byzantine Empire modern-day Turkey or the region that is now Russia.

Viking mercenaries are known to have served in these areas centuries ago. Lamellar armor consisted of small iron or steel plates that were linked to each other with leather laces. Overlapping rows of these metal scales would form a coat of armor that could be worn over clothing, such as the tunic worn by most Viking men. While not as effective against enemy weapons as chainmail, lamellar was the next best option. Another form of armor worn by some Viking warriors was made from pieces of padded leather or thick, quilted cloth like wool or linen.

While these types of armor were reserved for the common Viking man, they did offer a moderate degree of protection against the slashing motions of bladed weapons like swords and axes.

Leather armor of the reindeer variety was even mentioned in the Viking poem Saga of Olaf as being worn by the protagonist Thorir Hund. The Vikings were fearless warriors, but they were not foolhardy, as evidenced by the chainmail worn by their kings and elite fighting forces.

The Vikings used all sorts of weapons, from swords to spears to axes to bows. One of the lesser-known Viking weapons is the seax, a kind of knife or shortsword. Knives like the seax would have been The word "Viking" probably evokes images of a warrior with a battle-axe or a sword and shield. But the Vikings used long-range weapons as well as melee weapons.

In addition to axes, swords, and Skip to content For nearly two and half centuries during the Middle Ages, the Vikings were the greatest and most feared military force in Europe. Keep reading to learn the role that chainmail played in their approach to battle. Did Viking Warriors Wear Chainmail? A man making chainmail As great military tacticians, the Vikings knew all too well the importance of armor during battle , particularly chainmail. A typical chainmail coat would have had the following measurements: Length — roughly three feet mm from shoulders to thighs with enough room to run, crouch, and mount a horse Width — roughly two feet mm across from shoulder to shoulder and allowing for freedom to move the arms Weight — approximately 30 pounds 14 kilograms Prohibitive cost aside, it is debatable whether the common Viking warrior would have opted for a coat of chainmail even if he could afford to own one.

Spear heads came in a variety of shapes and sizes from long and thin to spear heads with a wing shape near the shaft. Spear heads were also made of iron and many were decorated.

Bows and arrows were also used in battle. All Viking men would carry a round shield for protection. How rich a Viking was determined his defensive weapons. A rich man might also own chainmail and an iron helmet. Chainmail was difficult to make and no doubt quite expensive. Helmets were basically an iron bowl that protected the head, and many had a nose piece to protect the face.

Poorer Vikings without access to chainmail wore thick, padded leather garments which gave some protection from edged weapons. Viking shields could be up to a meter wide. They were made of wooden boards riveted together with an central hole for a hand grip. Shields were also highly decorated and some were painted with patterns or mythological heroes.

With these simple but effective weapons, Vikings were able to conquer major portions of England, France and Russia. Muscles from hard work and ferocity in battle won Vikings their reputation as feared warriors.