For centuries, the Vikings were a major force in European affairs. This is the enthralling story of the weapons that they carried into battle, and haunted the nightmares of their enemies.

Between the late 8th and late 11th century Viking warriors had a massive impact, from the western Mediterranean round through northern Europe and the Baltic to the Middle East and Central Asia.

Written by an expert on early medieval weaponry, this book examines the weapons of the typical Viking warrior, dispels some of the myths of the popular image, such as double-headed axes, and considers the range of weapons that actually underpinned the Vikings’ success including bows and arrows.

Drawing upon contemporary literary and historical accounts from the North Atlantic to the Arab world, surviving examples of weapons and armour, and practical experimentation and reconstructions by modern weapon-smiths and re-enactors, this study casts new light on how Viking weapons were made and used in battle.