Dane Axes of Hastings: The Last Stand of the Viking Age & The Dawn of a New Era
Posted by MRL on Aug 8th 2023
Tools of the RaidGreat axes were a staple of Northern European warfare from the 9th through 11th centuries. They could reach over six feet in length and weigh up to six pounds, typically sporting light, thin blades. The two most prevalent examples being the earlier Type L and the later Type M as categorized by Petersen's Typology. It was in this time that the humble axe stood shoulder to shoulder with the mightiest spear and sword. Some of the mo...
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The Spoils of War Viking Jewellery
Posted by MRL on May 11th 2023
The Viking age was notorious for the prevalence of pillaging and raiding. Practically no coastal settlement was safe from the hoards of Norsemen crossing the high seas in their long-boats, wrecking havoc on the people they pillaged, and draining them of their resources, and in particular, gold and silver. Jewellery, and other fineries, were as intwined with the culture as the pieces themselves, being used as status symbols, decoration, and even c...
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The Gladiators
Posted by MRL on Oct 22nd 2020
Gladiators: Spartacus
The Rise and Fall of Spartacus
Spartacus marble 1830 Mus'ee du Louvre
Although there is some speculation as to where Spartacus originated from, the general consensus amongst experts is that he was a Thracian from the northeastern part of Greece. Some historians claim he was an auxiliary in the Roman army who deserted before being captured and sold into slavery. Other historians claim he was just captured by the Rom...
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