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The Dane axe or long axe (including Danish axe and English long axe) is a type of European early medieval period two-handed battle axe with a very long shaft, around 0.9–1.2 metres (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 11 in) at the low end to 1.5–1.7 metres (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 7 in) or more at the long end. Sometimes called a broadaxe ( Old Norse ...
Halberdiers from a modern-day reenactor troupe. A halberd (also called halbard, halbert or Swiss voulge) is a two-handed polearm that came to prominent use from the 13th to 16th centuries. The halberd consists of an axe blade topped with a spike mounted on a long shaft. It can have a hook or thorn on the back side of the axe blade for grappling ...
As a noun: [5] An ax having both a blade and a hammer face; used to slaughter cattle. (historical) A long-handled battle axe, being a combination of ax, hammer and pike. As a transitive verb: [6] (transitive) To fell someone with, or as if with, a poleaxe. (transitive, figurative) To astonish; to shock or surprise utterly.
Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 cm (18 to 31 in) in length. The weight of an average sword of 70 cm (28 in) blade-length would weigh about 700 to 900 g (1.5 to 2.0 lb). [20] There are also larger two-handed versions used by ancient and medieval armies and for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts.
In the 13th century, variants on the Danish axe are seen. Described in English as a "sparth" (from the Old Norse sparðr) [6] or "pale-axe", [7] the weapon featured a larger head with broader blade, the rearward part of the crescent sweeping up to contact (or even be attached to) the haft. In Ireland, this axe was known as a "sparr axe".
Viking halberd. The term " halberd " has been used to translate several Old Norse words relating to polearms [1] in the context of Viking Age arms and armour, and in scientific literature about the Viking Age. [2] In referring to the Viking Age weapon, the term "halberd" is not to be taken as referring to the classical Swiss halberd of the 15th ...
A battle axe (also battle-axe, battle ax, or battle-ax) is an axe specifically designed for combat. Battle axes were specialized versions of utility axes. Many were suitable for use in one hand, while others were larger and were deployed two-handed. Axes designed for warfare ranged in weight from just over 0.5 to 3 kg (1 to 7 lb), and in length ...
Spears, used for piercing and throwing, were the most common weapon. Other commonplace weapons included the sword, axe, and knife—however, bows and arrows, as well as slings, were not frequently used by the Anglo-Saxons. For defensive purposes, the shield was the most common item used by warriors, although sometimes mail and helmets were used.