What did the Anglo Saxons use an axe for?

Answer 1

The Romans used Fasces (bundles) with axes. This was a bundle of wooden rods, which surrounded a protruding axe and tied into cylinder by a leather strap. It symbolized power and authority of the high public officials. They were carried by the lictors who escorted the officials. Their number varied according to the rank of the official. The highest official, the dictator, was entitled to twenty-four lictors, the consuls to twelve and the praetor to six, the curule aediles 2 and the quaestors 1. The fasces also symbolised strength through unity. A rod is easily broken, but a bundle is strong. The axe originally symbolised the officials' the power over life or death through the death penalty. However, later, the fasces could not have an axe within the city because capital punishment became a matter decided by the popular assemblies. Fasces with an axe could be carried outside the city. However, the lictors of the dictator, an extraordinary official with ultimate appointed at times of emergencies for 6 months could carry the axe in the city as a symbol of his ultimate power.

Answer 2

Officially, the Romans used an axe as part of the fasces carried by the lictors. Their use and symbolism has been answered elsewhere. Unofficially, they used axes for the same purpose that we do, that is, cutting and chopping, etc.