The TRUTH about BATTLEAXES!

Shadiversity28 minutes read

Axes and swords have different strengths and weaknesses, with axes believed to have predated swords and initially used as tools. While swords are seen as superior self-defense weapons, axes are considered superior battlefield weapons due to their force and ability to dent armor.

Insights

  • Axes, historically used as tools, evolved into optimized combat weapons with thinner designs for warfare, contrasting with heavier tool axes.
  • Swords, associated with prestige and self-defense, were more common historically than axes in warfare and daily life, with axes often depicted in fantasy with exaggerated features.

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Recent questions

  • What are the historical uses of axes?

    Tools and weapons, predating swords.

  • How do axes compare to swords in combat?

    Axes are superior in force and armor penetration.

  • What distinguishes double-bitted axes from single-headed axes?

    Double-bitted axes were less effective and popular.

  • What role did swords play in medieval times?

    Swords were prominent in warfare and self-defense.

  • How were two-handed axes typically sized in medieval times?

    Two-handed axes were either smaller or larger.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Axes vs. Swords: Medieval Weapon Comparison"

  • Axes are historical weapons that range from large Dane axes to small handheld hatchets.
  • The French word for ax is "hache," meaning a little ax.
  • Axes and swords are iconic weapons of the medieval period, with different strengths and weaknesses.
  • Axes are believed to have predated swords and were initially used as tools.
  • Tool axes are not optimized for combat due to their heavy heads.
  • Combat axes are thinner and more optimized for warfare.
  • Axes are considered superior battlefield weapons to swords due to their force and ability to dent armor.
  • Swords are seen as superior self-defense weapons due to their reach and ease of use.
  • Swords are often associated with prestige and bling, while axes are more utilitarian.
  • The spiritual and noble role of swords as companions for protection adds to their prestige.

14:32

Historical Swords and Axes in Warfare

  • Swords were historically more prominent than axes, especially in warfare and self-defense.
  • Frontline troops occasionally used swords, with French infantry sometimes wielding axes.
  • Big battles were rare in medieval times, contrasting with the frequent use of swords in daily life.
  • Axes, while less common historically, were often depicted in fantasy with exaggerated features.
  • Double-bitted axes were not as prevalent historically as shown in fantasy representations.
  • Double-bitted axes were considered less effective and popular compared to single-headed axes.
  • The practicality and effectiveness of double-bitted axes in combat were questioned due to their design.
  • Medieval battlefield axes were typically single-headed, with variations like Dane axes being common.
  • Two-handed axes were usually either smaller or larger in size, with few falling in between.
  • Execution axes historically were of a specific size for reach and power, distinct from combat axes.

28:38

Medieval Cooking: Taste and Appreciation

  • Text discusses medieval cooking and the positive experience of tasting the food.
  • Encourages viewers to click on the video for more details and mentions the importance of giving the content attention and love.
  • Expresses gratitude for watching and hints at future videos on the topic.
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