How did the Saxons fight?

Answer 1

I'm surprised no one else has answered, but of all my readings of Anglo-Saxon history the principal weapon was the spear. This was not unique to the Anglo-Saxons but was true of most north Germanic nations who adopted the battle strategy of the 'shield-wall'. The sword was also an important weapon and one that was highly treasured being the most expensive to have made and often worn as an heirloom. A reading of the poetry seems to indicate that although the spear was the main weapon, the sword was utilised on a personal level or when the spear was 'shattered'. The other often unmentioned weapon was the 'scramasaex'. This was essentially a long knife or short sword, often inscribed with runes and in rare cases made from a pattern welded blade which is more usually associated with swords. They did use bows and arrows though no great mention is ever made of it and also a small throwing axe known as a 'francisca', pronounced 'frankisher' after the Frankish weapon.

A reading of any translation of the Anglo-Saxon poem 'The Battle of Maldon' will furnish details of the contemporary weapons, tactics and mindset of those particular warriors. A very fine translation can be found in 'Earliest English Poems; trans. Michael Alexander, Penguin Classics,.

A very good starting point for all things Anglo-Saxon is 'Anglo-Saxon England' by F.M. Stenton, Oxford University Press.

Answer 2

I'm surprised no one else has answered, but of all my readings of Anglo-Saxon history the principal weapon was the spear. This was not unique to the Anglo-Saxons but was true of most north Germanic nations who adopted the battle strategy of the 'shield-wall'. The sword was also an important weapon and one that was highly treasured being the most expensive to have made and often worn as an heirloom. A reading of the poetry seems to indicate that although the spear was the main weapon, the sword was utilised on a personal level or when the spear was 'shattered'. The other often unmentioned weapon was the 'scramasaex'. This was essentially a long knife or short sword, often inscribed with runes and in rare cases made from a pattern welded blade which is more usually associated with swords. They did use bows and arrows though no great mention is ever made of it and also a small throwing axe known as a 'francisca', pronounced 'frankisher' after the Frankish weapon.

A reading of any translation of the Anglo-Saxon poem 'The Battle of Maldon' will furnish details of the contemporary weapons, tactics and mindset of those particular warriors. A very fine translation can be found in 'Earliest English Poems; trans. Michael Alexander, Penguin Classics,.

A very good starting point for all things Anglo-Saxon is 'Anglo-Saxon England' by F.M. Stenton, Oxford University Press.

Answer 3

On foot, with sword and shield or axe and shield

Answer 4

the Saxons made their weapons by using stuff

the Saxons made their weapons by using stuff

Answer 5

with rock tools