Infopanel 4

The equipment of the Vikings

The weaponry of the Vikings did not differ significantly from that of other European peoples in the early Middle Ages. Probably the most important and valuable weapon of a Viking, which not every warrior could afford, was the sword. Long-handled battle axes were typical of the Vikings, but a narrower version was also carried by Frankish warriors. A lance with a long tip was also used by ordinary warriors as both a throwing and melee weapon. Bows and arrows were particularly important in long-range combat at sea. This was often also fought with stones thrown from the ballast of the ships. 

Typical defensive weapons of the Vikings were circular shields made of light wood, whose grip straps were protected by metal shield bosses.

The most important and dangerous weapons of the Vikings were their ships. They were vastly superior to all other types of ships on the coasts of Western Europe in terms of maneuverability, sailability, and above all, speed.

The Viking strategy

The fast ships allowed the Vikings to launch surprise attacks on the coast, as they were usually only spotted on the horizon a few hours beforehand. In addition, thanks to centuries of long-distance trade relations, the gangs knew exactly where to find the centers of wealth and skillfully exploited the weaknesses in defenses caused by internal disputes. Where the raids were worthwhile, the looters were happy to return annually. However, if the odds were against them because the defenders were significantly outnumbered, the Vikings avoided battle: with their relatively small warrior troops, this was a necessary survival strategy. 

Another proven strategy of the Viking plunderers was to play opponents off against each other in order to extort ever higher “protection money,” known as “Danegeld.”