Designed with slender heads attached to the long hewing edge, the medieval battle axe allowed warriors to leave enemies devastated from the blow. The medieval Battle axe was deadly and brutal. Axes during the medieval age were considered more effective than swords. They required fewer skills and precision, and most foot soldiers and knights could use them without heavy training.
Ancient battle axes found during the medieval period were used as a close contact weapon. Most of them had broad socket heads that allowed the axe head and shaft to fit together and the crescent-shaped blade of about 10 inches fixed between the lower and upper points of the broad cutting edge. These could lop off the head on the battlefield in a single clean swipe.
History of Medieval Battle Axe
The medieval period was a violent era in the history of battles. Many techniques like deadly weapons and torturous devices were used to make the enemies suffer. Battle axes were also very common in Europe during the Viking age and migration period. They were made by Blacksmiths using iron, steel, bronze, and also wood. It is believed the first axe was produced in 6,000 BCE using stone, and it was popularised in Europe by Romans.
Between 1100 and 1400, the European mounted knights preferred expensive swords over axes. They believed swords with long, straight steel blades could easily slash the enemies. However, these were still expensive, and only upper-class combatants could afford them. And most knights were covered in steel plate armour, which could easily defeat the sword’s attack. With time, it was replaced with mace, a vertical flange that could tear the body tissues and was cheaper than swords.
Battle axes took the design of mace one step further. The blacksmiths started concentrating on the weight and sharpness. Now, they were capable of slicing the opponent through armour too. The stabbing spikes could be added to it on demand. With time, most battle weapons were designed with metal. But in the 1600s, gunpowder-driven projectiles became popular and more valuable. Due to this, medieval battle axes became redundant as these were not enough to fight against these projectiles.
Designs of Medieval Battle Axe
Medieval battle axes were hand to hand to combat weapons extensively used during the middle ages.
They usually had a metal head on a wooden handle and were designed using iron or copper.
Medieval battle axes came in numerous designs such as:
Double-bladed Labrys Axe
This medieval double-sided battle axe was mostly employed in ancient Greece.
Its design featured two heads, one at each end of the handle which could be used for cutting as well as thrusting.
Initially created using bronze, the double-bladed labryx axe was later crafted using iron in the late middle ages.
Socketed Head Medieval Battle Axe
Used by both infantry and cavalry, the socketed head medieval battle axe had a broader blade with an opening where a wooden shaft or long metal strips were inserted.
The axe’s head was mounted on a socket that was attached to the handle’s end, giving extra mobility and control.
This weapon’s design was malleable, allowing it to be employed for slashing, cutting, and thrusting.
Battle Axe with Mace
This combat axe was a hybrid that combined an axe’s cutting edge and the crushing strength of a mace.
The battle axe with mace was designed after the flanged mace (another medieval-era weapon). It featured a crescent-shaped wedge on the metal plate and was sharper.
It was a lethal weapon that could sever the armour and cut into the flesh beneath.
Barbarian Axe
The barbarian axe was popular among the barbarian tribes of Europe throughout the middle ages. Its design was simple, with a hefty metal head attached to the hardwood handle.
This axe was an essential component of the marital culture and heritage of barbarian tribes.
Many renowned barbarian leaders such as Genghis Khan and Attilla the Hunn were prominent users of the barbarian axe.
Conclusion
There were more medieval battle axe designs, such as throwing axe, handheld axe, Viking battle axe with an ornamental socket, medieval two-handed battle axe, double-headed battle axe, and more. Each of these was used as a close-combat weapon.
A few platforms also put the medieval battle axe for sale. If you are lucky enough, you can get a chance to buy the battle axe that played a major role in European history.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the medieval battle axe. If you liked reading this, you should definitely check out 10 Most Terrifying Medieval Torture Devices and 5 Most Terrifying Medieval Torture Methods!
