Blog

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...

Steel Clashing. Muskets firing. Cannons booming. Specters appearing through thick smoke with death in their eyes. You're not dreaming; you're under attack from the scourge of the open seas: Pirates. When most people think of Pirates today they picture the ever memorable Captain Jack Sparrow from the motion picture Pirates of the Caribbean. You know what I mean-- the pirate  bandana, the tricorn hat, loose shirt and pants wi...

Oh lord, deliver us from the Northmen…The first thing that seems to come up with “Vikings” is the name itself. One should note that the term Viking is actually a Nordic term for the act of going on a raid and was never used to name a particular people. It referred to all Scandinavians and what they did, not who they were. But regardless of what country they were from, if you were from England (one of the easiest places to get to for raiders) they...