Battle Axes

• Used as a close contact weapon in the early Medieval period of the Middle Ages
• It could be hurled as a missile
• The Battle Axes weapon could be mounted on either a long shaft, measuring up to 5ft or a short shaft measuring 1ft
• Most European battle axes used during the Middle Ages had broad, socketed heads enabling the axe head and the haft to fit together as opposed to the axes used by the Vikings which were often just lashed together
• The axes had a crescent-shaped blade which measured about 25 cm (10 inches) between the upper and lower points of its broad cutting edge
• A blow could apply tremendous force
• The axe struck with force could apply significant injury to a knight in armor
• The weapon was primarily used as a cutting weapon and capable of cutting off the limbs of an enemy in one stroke
• Type or group of weapons - Bludgeoning and Cutting Weapon

Battle Axes Training
Skill in the use of Medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in Medieval life. Skill in the use of Medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in Medieval life. The training required by a Foot Soldiers to use the Battle Axes :

• Training method - The training method practised in the use of the Warhammer was based on strength and accuracy in hitting the target
• A "hit" was scored in Medieval weapons training by making light contact with a defined target area or in the accuracy when hurling the battle axe at a practise target