Brjósthliðarliðir

Brjósthliðarliðir were a type of military formation or unit that emerged in the Viking Age Scandinavia. The term "brjósthliðarliðir" is derived from Old Norse, with "brjóstr" meaning "battle", "hlið" meaning "side" or "rank", and "lið" meaning "unit" or "troop".

In a brjósthliðarliðir unit, warriors were organized in narrow formations, often in a rectangular shape, with their shields used to create a solid defensive barrier. The warriors would hold their shields in front of them, clasped together to form a shield wall, which would provide protection against enemy attacks. This formation allowed the warriors to present a united front to the enemy while slamming into them with great force.

The brjósthliðarliðir were typically used for pitched battles and siege warfare, where the warriors would form a shield wall to withstand enemy attacks. The unit's defensive capabilities were superior to those of other medieval formations. The brjósthliðarliðir were an essential part of Viking Age warfare, allowing Danish and Norwegian warriors to engage in effective battles.

Evidence of the brjósthliðarliðir can be found in the Old Norse sagas, literary works that contain stories of the medieval Scandinavian past. Archaeological finds and artwork on Viking Age artifacts also provide visual representations of the brjósthliðarliðir units. The exact structure and combat tactics used by these units have been reconstructed from these sources.

The brjósthliðarliðir were significant in Viking Age warfare, allowing Scandinavian warriors to engage effectively in battles. Although the exact details of the brjósthliðarliðir organization and tactics are not well-documented, theories have been proposed based on the available evidence.