Seaxes

A seax is a type of single-edged bladed weapon that originated among Germanic peoples in northern Europe and was widely used from the late Roman period into the early medieval era. The term is the source of the ethnonym Saxon and is used to describe a family of blades rather than a single standardized design. Seaxes were found across regions that include what are now England, Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of Scandinavia.

Design and varieties: Seaxes show a range of lengths and shapes, from short dagger-like blades to longer, sword-length forms. Blade lengths commonly fall between 15 and 60 centimeters, with many examples in the 20 to 40 centimeter range. The blade is typically straight or gently curved with a strong point and a single cutting edge. The profile emphasizes cutting and thrusting on the edge side, and many blades are relatively broad for their length. The forms often vary by region and period.

Construction and fittings: The blade is usually iron, sometimes with a fuller to reduce weight. Hilt construction is generally simple, often wooden or horn grips attached to a tang, with little to no guarding. The pommel is usually a simple end-cap or a riveted end. Scabbards are commonly made of wood and leather, sometimes with metal mounts, and worn suspended from the belt.

Context and legacy: Seaxes served as versatile weapons and everyday tools, suitable for combat, hunting, and utilitarian tasks. They appear in archaeological finds, grave assemblages, and contemporary artwork of the Migration Period and early medieval Europe. The seax remains a symbol of early Germanic material culture and influenced later European sword and knife traditions. The word itself survives in English as a historical reference to the Saxons.