seaxe

Seaxe refers to a type of Germanic sword characterized by a single-edged blade. The name "seax" itself is derived from the Old English word for the weapon. These swords were prevalent among Germanic peoples, particularly during the Migration Period and the early Viking Age, from around the 5th to the 8th centuries CE. While the term seax is often used for longer swords, it also encompasses a variety of knives and short swords that shared the single-edged blade design.

The seaxe varied considerably in length, with some being as short as a large knife and others approaching the length of a typical sword. This variation suggests they served a range of purposes, from tools and everyday weapons to more specialized combat blades. The hilt construction was typically simple, often consisting of a wooden grip secured by rivets. They were usually carried in a scabbard worn at the belt. The seaxe was a practical and versatile weapon, widely adopted and adapted by different Germanic tribes. Its prevalence is evident in archaeological finds across Northern Europe.