A warrior's weapons depended on his position in society. Ordinary Viking warriors wielded a battle-axe when raiding. With its sharp, deadly blade, it was much feared by enemies. Warriors might also thrust and throw a long spear. Noble warriors often used a sword instead, which was frequently handed down from father to son and thought to have magical powers. Nobles also wore chainmail tunics to protect themselves from sword cuts and axe blows. They were handmade from thousands of linked iron rings. Most Viking warriors, however, could only afford a wooden shield to defend themselves from attack, and some did not even have this. Contrary to popular belief, Viking warriors did not wear horned helmets.

Armour

A noble Viking warrior wore an iron helmet and a chainmail tunic. The shield was made of thick wood with a metal centre called a boss, which guarded the hand. Only the most important warriors wore iron helmets. These had guards around the eyes and over the nose for extra protection. Decorations on the helmet showed off the warrior’s wealth. Poorer Vikings sometimes had helmets made of leather.

Weapons

The spear was the Viking warrior’s most common weapon. Up to 3 metres (10 feet) long, it was used both as a throwing weapon and a thrusting weapon.

A sword gave its owner considerable prestige. Swords were often handed down from father to son and were thought to have magical powers. Usually double-edged, they were given vicious names, such as Skull-splitter or Leg-biter. When they died, warriors from wealthy families were buried with their beautifully crafted weapons, including iron swords with highly decorated hilts (handles). Poorer Vikings often carried large knives called seaxes into battle.

One of the Viking warrior’s favourite weapons was the battle-axe. This weapon could be either thrown or swung. With its sharp, deadly blade, it was much feared by the Vikings’ enemies.

Fortress

As royal power increased, kings constructed fortresses to dominate their lands. The largest were in Denmark. The wooden buildings were protected by circular embankments of wood and soil. Four wooden roads divided the fortress into quarters. There were four entrances to the fort.