Changes
Axes
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# Neck - The older types have a long and wide butt [PETERSEN 1919] .
# Blade - can be more or less curved outward, more curved out below than above, and even be sloped in relation to the shaft hole section [PETERSEN 1919].<br> Side axes are characterized by being sharpened on only one side of their blade giving an asymmetrical cutting edge. This makes them able to cut at a low angle, achieving a smooth surface. [LEAHY 2003:p.17]
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==By Area==
===Norway===
===Denmark===
In Danish graves, axes are the second most numerous weapon found after swords. They have been found in 98 graves and from a further 17 possible graves. Generally burials containing axes are not associated with horse furnishings. [PEDERSEN 2014A:p.83]
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==Type A (Wheeler I / Rygh 557)==
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*Date - From pre Viking period to AD 840.
*Location - Most are found in Sweden and some in Norway. None have been found in the UK.
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Notes:
# Spurs - longer than Type D. The lower spur is often longer and positioned more forward towards the blade.
# Neck -
# Blade - The curve of the blade is not symmetrical with the lower portion sweeping more towards the hilt. The upper edge has a more pronounced curve than Type D. The lower edge has a less distinct beard and the curve of the beard to pulled more back towards the neck.
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*Date -
# Blade - although similar to Type E, the blade is more symmetrical and the curve of the beard is set even further back towards the neck.
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*Date - From AD 900 to AD 975.
*Location -
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# Spurs - larger than Type A and top and bottom are the same size.# Neck - is slender and often faceted. The Butt is quite thin.# Blade -symmetrical and more curved than Type A.
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*Date - From AD 800 to AD 950.
*Location -
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# Spurs - similar to Type G but the lower spur is generally larger.# Neck - slender with a small eye hole.# Blade -not symmetrical, the lower portion bends more towards the neck.
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*Date - From AD 900 to AD 975.
*Location -
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# Spurs - similar to Type H# Neck - thicker than Type H# Blade -thicker, shorter and blunter than Type H
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*Date - From AD 900 to AD 1000.
*Location -
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# Spurs - can be either the same as Type H, or else by very shallow and rounded, or else have a shallow rounded spur on top and a fully developed spur below.# Neck - short, compacted eye.# Blade -quite long with an edge that has only a little curvature. The upper edge has a very shallow curve. The edge is not symmetrical with the lower portion bending towards the neck.
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*Date - From AD 900 to AD 1030.
*Location -
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# Spurs - similar to Type K but with the spurs blunted.# Neck - the eye has a curious and distinct form.# Blade -same as Type K
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*Date - From AD 940 to AD 1200.
*Location -
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# Spurs - quite steep with the lower one being longer and further towards the blade.
# Neck - slender with the butt almost square in shape.
# Blade - quite thin with the upper and lower edges being strongly curved. The cutting edge slopes downwards towards the hilt. Behind the cutting edge is a ridge like Type E.
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*Date -
**M1 From AD 940 to AD 1050.
**M2 From AD 970 to AD 1120.
**M3 From AD 1100 to AD 1200+.
*Location -
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[[File:London-Axe London Bridge Dane Axes.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Museum of London <br>London Bridge]]
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==Throwing axes==
I am currently unaware of any evidence for throwing axes from the Viking Age (AD 793-1100). A type of axe called a 'Francisca' was specifically designed for throwing. It dates to the period AD 400-550. [WHEELER 1935:p.141]. Wheeler suggests that it evolves into the bearded axe of the Viking Age [WHEELER 1927:p.24]. <br>
It has been suggested that small axes such as the Mammen Axe, from Mammen in Denmark, may have possibly been thrown [CITATION NEEDED].
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==Leather axe loops==
==Edge protectors for axe==
Edge protectors of wood have been found in Hedeby, Denmark [WESTPHAL 2006] [SCHIETZEL 2014:p.579]
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==References==
{{Ref|Mould, Carlisle & Cameron 2003}}
{{Ref|Ottaway 2009}}
{{Ref|Pedersen 2014a}}
{{Ref|Petersen 1919}}
{{Ref|Roesdahl 1981}}
