Battle axe. Battle axes: an excursion into history

Written sources mention axes as military weapons of the Slavs from the 8th century. According to domestic materials, only a few narrow-bladed cleavers dating back to the last quarter of the first millennium AD are known. Therefore, it is not yet possible to trace the development of the iron ax in Eastern Europe in pre-Kievan times. It seems that the entire variety of forms of Russian axes was created in the 9th - 11th centuries. in the era rapid development material culture of the country. Indeed, starting from the 10th century, the lack of finds from the previous period was replaced by their abundance. Number of axes from the 10th to 13th centuries found on the territory ancient Rus', reaches 2600 copies, of which most of comes from burials (2130 specimens), the rest were found at ancient settlements and by chance.

Scientists - historians, archaeologists and weapons specialists (consultants) took into account, if possible, all the axes found, in order to better and more accurately identify combat axes among them. Only some hatchets (primarily hammered ones) are rightly considered only weapons. As for many other early medieval battle axes, it turns out that they have a correspondence in the forms of working axes, and their identification is subject to a number of rules. It is striking that among the axes there are both large and small. Scientists explain the difference in the sizes of axes by their purpose: massive ones, regardless of their shape, were used by lumberjacks and carpenters, and light ones were used for carpentry and cooperage. Without denying this, we can confidently say: axes of “small forms” also served as warrior weapons. The most important feature of a battle ax is not its shape, but its size and weight. Based on these characteristics, most of the same type of ancient Russian axes are divided into combat and working.

Moreover, their handles, being apparently the same length (on average about 80 cm), differed in thickness. Thousands of measurements taken show the usual dimensions of battle axes: blade length 9 - 15 cm, width up to 10 - 12 cm, blade diameter 2 -3 cm, weight up to 450 g. These measurements are repeated on specially battle axes, which, however, are somewhat smaller weight (on average 200 - 350 g). The sizes established above are characteristic of most axes found in squad burials. In turn, the presence of such axes in the burial mounds of warriors indicates their combat purpose.
Unlike battle axes, the working dimensions are as follows: length 15 - 22 cm (usually 17 - 18 cm), blade width 9 - 15 cm, sleeve diameter 3 - 4.5 cm, usual weight 600 - 800 g. These axes are very common in peasant burial mounds as an attribute of a male burial.

Of course, we cannot make absolute distinctions between the sizes of combat and working axes. Here there are deviations in one direction or another. Sometimes you can argue about the economic or military affiliation of a particular ax. The fact is that the group of “military” axes itself is also heterogeneous.

Some of them, judging by the rich decoration and small size (for example, blade length 9 - 12 cm), served as an honorary and military weapon, while the other part was used not only in battle, but also during the campaign as a universal tool. The role of the ax in the burials of warriors is connected with this. If you look closely at these burials, you will notice everywhere that the deceased was prepared not for battle, but for a long journey along unknown paths the afterlife. It is not surprising, therefore, that in the burials of warriors there are often axes that could perform various military functions. It is also impossible to deny the cult “purifying” significance of the ax in pagan (and then in early Christianity in Rus') burials, as an object that symbolizes lightning and heavenly fire.

However, in addition to burial mound equipment, the need for an ax in a warrior’s field equipment is also evidenced by written sources from the Middle Ages. According to Ibn Fadlan, who saw Russian warriors on the Volga, “each of them has an axe, a sword or a spear, as well as a knife. Moreover, they never part with all this.”

With the help of an ax they paved roads, made abatis and firmaments, stocked up on fuel, built bridges, repaired ships and carts, and carried out restoration and siege work. In cases of need, special “travelers” cleared the way for troops in difficult places “cutting and leveling, but do not work in a cruel way.”

Judging by the finds, a “military” ax is always smaller and lighter than a household one. A heavy and massive working ax was burdensome on a campaign and inconvenient in battle; a professional warrior needed a lighter weapon. However, one cannot completely deny the universality of the ancient Russian ax. It was often used for military purposes. But only on purely battle axes are there ornamental decorations and decoration with precious metals. Almost all of them belong to outstanding works of ancient Russian applied art.

Thus, when identifying battle axes, one should take into account the size, shape and decoration of the axe, the conditions under which it is located, and its military and industrial significance. As a result, we can safely conclude that in early medieval Rus' there was no typological difference between the majority of industrial and military axes. Although they were of the same type, they differed only in size, weight and thickness of the handle. So, all ancient Russian axes can be divided into three groups:

1. Specially combat axes-hammers, axes with decorations, characteristic in configuration and insignificant in size. Most of them (for example, coins) have no analogies with the shapes of working axes.
2. Axes of “small forms”, which were used for military purposes as a universal tool during campaigns and battles. Their general dimensions are defined above. They are very similar in shape to industrial axes, being like a miniature copy of the latter.
3. Heavy and massive work axes. They were actually not used during the war.

The meaning of the battle ax is determined by comparing archaeological complexes. According to scientists, the ax was found in every third mound containing weapons from the 10th - early 11th centuries. Popularity of the ax weapon Written sources also confirm this. Ibn Fadlan and Ibn Miskaweikh report that the Russian army was equipped with these weapons in the 10th century. Leo the Deacon in the description of the Russian-Byzantine war of 970 - 971. notes the combat use of axes along with swords. Finally, in a letter from Bishop Bruno to Henry II in 1008, it is reported that the troops of Vladimir Svyatoslavovich were armed with many axes and swords. In general, it seems that in the early Kiev period the ax was an important and very common weapon.
For the XI - XII centuries. the number of known battle axes is increasing. They are found in every second mound of that time containing weapons. Judging by the funerary monuments, almost 2/3 of the ax-bearers had an ax as their only weapon.

However, the predominance of the battle ax in the mounds of the 11th - 12th centuries. does not yet mean its predominance in the composition of edged weapons of that time. There is no doubt that the ax was mass weapons a militia or a simple warrior, but it was not the main weapon of the entire army. The warriors buried in the mounds of this period belonged to the social lower classes of the Russian army and had axes as infantry weapons(the bulk of battle axes were found in the northern and central regions, where infantry constituted the main force of the army). The weapons of the princely squads, which determined the means of struggle, were, of course, much richer and more diverse.
In the XII - XIII centuries. the importance of the battle ax as a widespread and mass weapon is decreasing. For example, in southern Russian cities that perished during the Tatar-Mongol invasion, for several battle axes there are dozens of spears, many sabers, swords, thousands of arrows and sulits.

The ax, of course, has not lost its importance for infantry. Ordinary militia continued to operate in battle with axes and swords. This is clearly visible in the miniature of the Radzvilov Chronicle.

Another chronicle tells us that during the siege of the Bulgarian city of Oshel in 1219, infantrymen with axes were used as an assault force: “... and in front were foot soldiers with fire and axes, and behind them were archers and spearmen, and quickly fought evil and cut down tyn and shaft dug up and lit...”

However, chronicle reports of axes are very few. Sources highlight unusual or exceptional cases of ownership of these weapons. Thus, during the battle with the Swedes in 1240, the Novgorodian Sbyslav Yakaznovich “having struck with a single ax many times, had no fear in his heart.” Here, in my opinion, the chronicler, admiring on the one hand the courage of the warrior, hints at the inadequacy of his weapons.

In another episode, the chronicle tells how, during the Battle of Lipetsk, Prince Mstislav Udaloy, with unbridled courage, “having driven three times through the regiments of Princess Yuriev and Yaroslavl, he cut people down, but he had an ax with a fireweed on his hand.”

The chronicle history of appanage Rus' is filled with descriptions of military actions. However, we will look in vain for references to the ax here. The battle ax does not appear in epics and heroic songs; it is not mentioned in contracts and oaths. And so on.
The reasons for the rare use of the ax by the feudal nobility and princely warriors lie not so much in the disdainful attitude towards it as a weapon by the common people (among the nobility, everyone knew how to handle a battle ax perfectly - this was part of mandatory combat training), but in the tactical features of equestrian combat. There was still an ax traditional weapons infantry, and the prince and his retinue are a cavalry army.

Since the 11th century, cavalry has become the main branch of the military in Rus'. Her main weapons were spears, sabers, arrows and bows, and swords. The ax was used only during a protracted cavalry battle, which turned into a close fight between separate groups, when a long polearm only interfered with movement. This is where a light battle hatchet, such as a hammer, was best suited; it could be wielded with one hand. This is exactly how Mstislav Udaloy apparently acted in battle in the case described above. His ax was held firmly in his hand with the help of a lanyard. The rider could not fight effectively, holding the ax with both hands at once, since he could not cover himself with a shield and lost control of his horse.

Analysis of the sources leads to the conclusion that for the equestrian warriors of the 12th - 13th centuries. For tactical reasons, the ax was not the main means of fighting.

So, the combat use of the ax in ancient Rus' went through two large stages. In the V - X centuries. in connection with important For foot soldiers, the ax was the most important weapon of war. In the XI - XIII centuries. due to the increasing role of cavalry military significance The use of the ax is declining, although it still remains a massive infantry weapon.

In the Middle Ages, the ax was one of the main types of bladed weapons. Moreover, even the most terrible-looking battle axes were never heavy - each weight does not exceed half a kilo.

Moreover, ax handles were never bound with iron!
Firstly, because iron was expensive, and secondly, because it made the shaft heavier. And you and I know that the price included a light, but at the same time durable weapon.

Our story about battle axes will begin in the smoking ruins into which Rome was turned by its enemies. Barbarians.

The legendary Frankish leader Clovis often resorted to using an axe.

Once upon a time the Franks robbed Catholic Church, and, among other things, they took away a large chalice for worship. The bishop of that church sent ambassadors to Clovis asking him to return at least this cup. He did not refuse them, but offered to proceed with the army to the place where the spoils were divided in the city of Soissons, and there, if by lot the cup went to him, he would return the trophy to the ambassadors.

During the division, Clovis asked the soldiers to give him, in addition to his allotted share, a cup. No one seemed to mind, but suddenly one of the warriors rushed to the bowl with a cry: “You will only receive what is due by lot!” and cut it with an axe.

The king remained silent, but a year later, at a review of the troops, he approached that warrior “ and said to him: “No one keeps weapons in such bad condition as you. After all, neither your spear, nor your sword, nor your ax are of any use.”

And, snatching the ax from him, he threw it to the ground. When he bent slightly for the axe, Clovis raised his axe and cut off his head, saying: “That’s what you did with that cup in Soissons.” When he died, he ordered the others to disperse, instilling fear in them with his action, writes Gregory of Tours in the book “History of the Franks”.

The ax with which Clovis executed the obstinate man could look like this:

An ancient Francis mounted on a brand new shaft. Photo from the Army Museum.

This is Francisca - the famous throwing ax francs The francis' handle did not exceed half a meter. The Franks attached a rope to it, with which, in case of a miss, they pulled the battle axes towards themselves.

Contemporaries of the Franks describe the Francis as axes, often having blades on both sides of the shaft, but the author of these lines came across drawings of only single-edged axes.

Another educated person, Bishop Sidonius Apollinaris, stated in the middle of the 5th century: “The Franks are a tall tribe, they wear tight-fitting clothing. A belt surrounds their waist. They throw their axes and throw their spears with great force, never missing their target. They handle their shields with great dexterity and rush at the enemy with such speed that they seem to fly faster than their pikes.".

Archaeologists found one of the Franciscans in the Rhineland, in the grave of a Frankish leader from the early 6th century. She was placed there along with a whole arsenal: short sword, two spears, one of which was throwing, knives, as well as a helmet and chain mail. This suggests that the Francis was a weapon used by all warriors - both ordinary warriors and military leaders.

Two-handed ax

At the end of the Dark Ages, the barbarians finally settled in new lands. They founded their kingdoms there and calmed down a bit. But the calm does not last long and soon the Viking invasion hit Europe.

Northern people went down in history as warriors, whose favorite weapon was a two-handed ax - a brodax. Sometimes this weapon is called the “Danish axe,” although this is not entirely true. The two-handed ax was distributed throughout the North, and its finest hour came in the 11th century. Then the Brodax fought over a vast territory from Karelia to Britain.

Photo by Andrey Boykov (Moscow)

According to the good tradition of giving weapons poetic names, the Vikings called their battle axes “friend of the Shield”, “Battle Witch”, “Wound Wolf”. Moreover, the ax could be a friend and witch of everything it touched - a shield, armor, chain mail, a helmet, and so on.

The blades of the Brodax, although very thin to lighten their weight, were different large area. Thus, the distance from the butt to the tip of the blade could be 30 cm.

The handles matched them. Judging by the images, the Brodax, resting on the ground, reached the standing warrior’s chin.

For all its power, the two-handed ax had one serious drawback. The warrior had to hold it with both hands, remaining without the protection of a shield. And therefore, one-handed battle axes occupied not the last place in Viking warfare.

Deadly beauty

In the sagas we read about axes with expensive decorations, which were given as a reward, like swords: “ When they parted, the earl gave Olaf Hoskuldsson a very expensive ax with gold decorations" And such battle axes, decorated with precious metals, really existed.

In the north of Denmark, in the town of Mammen, archaeologists excavated a mound and discovered a tomb made of logs underneath it. Judging by the analysis of the logs, the deceased - far from the last person from the entourage of King Harald Bluetooth - died in the winter of 970/71.

Beyond competition

Many Viking axes were also found in Rus', through which their thorny path from the Varangians to the Greeks passed. And first of all, these are, of course, brodaxes, typical of northern Rus' in the 11th century, including the Leningrad region.

However, over time, their purpose changes, and in the XII-XIII centuries. wide-bladed axes turned into household implements, well known from Novgorod and Kostroma antiquities.

By the way, the period of spread of Brodaxes coincided with a real boom in the evolution of battle axes in Rus'. Here, the achievements of the nomadic East, the Finnish North and the European West were mixed in one cauldron, and their own samples also appeared.

In Kievan Rus, battle axes with a hammer on the butt found their second home - coins, known from Scythian burials. It was from here in the X-XI centuries. They spread to the countries of Central and Northern Europe, where in the 13th-14th centuries they were adopted by Western European knights.

It is interesting that in the 10th-11th centuries the hammer was round in cross-section, and sometimes with a mushroom-shaped cap, and in the 12th century it became square, with pronounced edges. Sometimes, instead of a hammer, a narrow plate-like protrusion was made on the butt of the coin, which was never sharpened.

One of the most luxurious ancient Russian axes is the so-called Andrei Bogolyubsky hatchet, trimmed with silver, gold and niello. In fact, it most likely never belonged to Prince Andrei.

According to A.N. Kirpichnikov, there is no doubt about the Russian origin of the thing. Firstly, the letter “A” is used twice in the ornament, and secondly, the drawings on the ax closely correspond to the content of the most ancient Russian epics.

On one side of the hatchet we see a snake with eight ridges, probably heads. On the reverse side there are birds very similar to pigeons.
Both are familiar to us from the epics about Dobrynya - in one of them he fights with the Serpent, in the second - two doves warn him of danger.

Now information has appeared that the Vladimir hatchet was found near Chistopol, on the lands Volga Bulgaria, a certain Tatar who sold it at the end of the century before last to the antiques dealer Ivanov. And he, for commercial purposes, came up with a beautiful legend about Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. Like, the letter “A” in the ornament is the mark of Andrei Bogolyubsky. Well, anything can be...

But despite all the advantages of coinage, much greater demand in a military environment, it was used for universal-purpose axes. Those that could not only fight, but also be used on a campaign for various everyday needs.

And the clear leader here is the ax, known according to the classification of A.N. Kirpichnikov as “type 4”. Its appearance was a kind of revolution in the weapons business: blacksmiths managed to create an ax whose butt protected the shaft when the jammed ax was swinging, and the efficiency of the blade approached unity.

“After the battle” (Ancient Russian warrior with an ax of the fourth type). Photo by Anastasia Pavlova (Samara)

Battle axes of the fourth type appeared in the 10th century, and over several decades they became extremely popular among Russian warriors.

Archaeologists find confirmation of this in the mounds where Russian warriors were buried - and not only in Russia. In the very center of Poland, near the town of Lodz, a burial ground of a Russian or Russian-Varangian cavalry squad of the first half of the 11th century was found. And 9 out of 10 axes found there belong to the fourth type.

Over time, in Rus' they stopped burying pagan custom, and the number of mounds with weapons and armor decreased. But nevertheless, finds of battle axes Orthodox Rus' continue.

In the XII-XIII centuries, battle axes became much simpler in appearance. The former variety of types was also not observed - coinage and axes of the fourth type, although slightly modernized, received the green light for the future. Both of them account for more than a quarter of all battle axes found at this time...

The story about axes does not end there.
They are waiting for you and me ahead.

Literature:

• E. Oakeshott “The Archeology of Weapons. From the Bronze Age to the Renaissance"
• A. Kirpichnikov " Old Russian weapons"(issue 2)
• D. Aleksinsky, K. Zhukov, A. Butyagin, D. Korovkin “Horsemen of War. Cavalry of Europe."
• Kulakov V.I., Skvortsov K.N. “Hatchet from Vargen” (Ranked weapon of the last pagans of Europe)
• A. Norman “Medieval warrior. Weapons from the times of Charlemagne and the Crusades"
• Gregory of Tours "History of the Franks."

An ax is one of the first human-made tools. A sharpened stone tied to a stick helped to primitive man dig root crops out of the ground, cut down trees, hunt and defend against enemies. Later, axes were made of copper, bronze, and steel. Their form was improved, various variations of this instrument appeared, both combat and peaceful. Axes were widely used for combat in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Persia. Since those ancient times, the design and methods of using these weapons have remained almost the same as they were conceived by our ancestors.

Weapons that don't change

Simplicity and perfection are exactly the words that can be used to describe battle axes. Photos of samples found in ancient mounds ancient weapons confirm this fact.

Their basic forms have not changed much over the past thousands of years. Scythian sagaris, Greek labrys - their recognizable outlines are repeated in medieval Romanesque axes, and in Viking battle axes, and in the weapons of the Russians. It's not a lack of imagination. There are simply things that no longer need to be improved, because they are already perfect. This doesn't mean they are necessarily difficult. There is nothing simpler than a wheel, but no one has improved it. Not a single inventor contributed anything fundamentally new to its design. Whether made of wood or stone, with or without hubs, a wheel is always a wheel.

The same is true with an axe. It can be stone, bronze or made of the best steel. It may be German, Chinese or African. But it is impossible to confuse an ax with another weapon. Different countries, dissimilar cultures independently came to the creation of this ingenious weapon. Simple, cheap and extremely practical, it was equally applicable in everyday life and in battle. Actually, sometimes it is difficult to say for what exact purposes these weapons were used. Yes, specialized axes created exclusively for warriors cannot be confused with household tools. That's just in reverse side the pattern does not emerge in this case. Any ax suitable for chopping firewood instantly becomes a combat ax; you only need to want to chop something other than pine logs. Or anyone.

Why were axes popular in Rus'?

Battle axes Vikings are practically a legend. There is not a single film about the harsh northerners in which a sharply sharpened ax of impressive size would not flash in the frame. Moreover, in Europe at the same time they mostly used swords, and in the East - sabers. That is, the territory in which one could see an ax in the hands of a warrior with the same probability as a sword was not so large. Why? If the ancient battle ax was so bad that few people used it, then why was it used at all? Weapons are not a reason to show off your originality. There is no time for external effect, this is a matter of life and death. And if the ax was good in battle, then why did the sword clearly dominate?

In fact, there are no bad or good weapons. Unusable tools simply disappear from use forever. Those unfortunate people who trusted the promises of the inventors die, and the rest draw conclusions. Weapons that remain in active use are, by definition, quite convenient and practical. But it remains so only under certain conditions. There is no universal weapon that would be appropriate everywhere and always. What are the advantages and disadvantages of an axe? Why were the battle axes of the Slavs and Normans not widespread in Europe?

First of all, it should be noted that an ax is a weapon of a foot warrior. It is much more convenient for a rider to work with a sword or saber, depending on the situation. This is why Viking seafarers so often used axes, unlike European or Eastern cavalry. Rus', which traditionally had close cultural ties with the Viking northerners, could not help but adopt these features of combat. And there were a large number of foot soldiers in Rus'. Therefore, many preferred the battle ax.

Ax and sword - what's the difference?

If speak about comparative characteristics sword and ax in equal conditions, in this case in a foot fight, then each type of weapon has its own advantages and disadvantages. An ax has much greater impact power, it can easily cut through armor, but a sword is unlikely to cope with such a task. The ax can be thrown. In addition, these weapons are much cheaper. Not every warrior can buy a good sword. But the axe, even if devoid of decorative elements, will be affordable for anyone. And this type of weapon has many more functions. The sword is only good for war. The ax can also be used for its intended purpose, that is, to chop and chop a tree, and not an enemy. In addition, the ax is more difficult to damage. It does not chip as much as a sword, and such damage is of little significance. This is why battle axes were valued. You could replace the damaged butt with your own hands by simply attaching a suitable shaft. But to put the sword in order, you need a forge.

Compared to swords, battle axes have two main disadvantages. Due to the center of gravity falling on the metal part of the weapon, they are less maneuverable. But it is precisely this design feature that gives the ax blow its crushing force. But it is more difficult for them to fend off an enemy attack, so warriors who prefer this type of weapon almost always used shields. And the ax is not capable of a piercing blow, and in battle this can turn out to be a serious problem. A lunge always occurs faster than a swing; a warrior with an ax in such a situation loses in speed to an enemy with a sword. After the heavy, durable armor fell out of use, the latter type of weapon gave way to the much lighter and swifter sword. In the same way, battle axes retreated to much more maneuverable fencing techniques. There weren't many Viking seafarers left, for whom cheapness and practicality were decisive. But at the same time, our ancestors still used such weapons.

What did a battle ax look like in Rus'?

One way or another, this weapon was very popular in Rus'. Even in written evidence dating back to the 8th century, there are references to this type of military equipment. Great amount The axes found were made between the 9th and 13th centuries. This was due to the technological leap that occurred during this period. The number of axes found in burials and ancient settlements is amazing. More than one and a half thousand copies have survived to this day. Among them there are obvious battle axes, such as coined ones, and universal ones, suitable for both war and peaceful work.

The specimens found vary greatly in size. Conventionally, they can be divided into two-handed and one-handed, just like swords. Small axes in economic use could be a tool for coopers and carpenters. The larger ones were used by carpenters and lumberjacks.

Often in films, battle axes are depicted as huge, almost impossible to lift, with monstrously wide blades. This, of course, looks very impressive on the screen, but has little to do with reality. In fact, no one would use such a pointlessly heavy and clumsy machine in battle. Slavic battle axes found in military burials are quite compact and light in weight. The length of the handle of such a weapon is on average about 80 cm, the length of the blade varies from 9 to 15 cm, width - from 10 to 12, weight - within half a kilogram. And this is quite reasonable. These dimensions are sufficient, they provide an optimal combination of impact force and maneuverability. Battle axes made in such modest, “non-cinematic” proportions are quite capable of cutting through armor and inflicting a mortal wound. Create unnecessary difficulties for yourself with your own hands, making an effective weapon heavier? No warrior would do such a stupid thing. Moreover, archaeological finds prove that the warriors also used even lighter hatchets, weighing from 200 to 350 grams.

Military weapons in ancient Slavic burials

Working axes, which served as an indispensable attribute of the burial of Russian men, were larger. Their length was from 1 to 18 cm, width - from 9 to 15 cm, and weight reached 800 g. However, it should be noted that the classic funeral decoration of both a warrior and a civilian in Rus' implied his readiness not so much for battles, but to a long journey through the halls of the afterlife. So they put into the mounds what might be needed on the campaign. The ax turned out to be indispensable in this regard. It could perform the functions of both a weapon and a tool at the same time.

However, one can also dispute theories about a purely peaceful or exclusively combat use specific axes. Judging by the coinage and rich decoration, some large specimens were clearly status weapons - no one would put such insignia on a wood chopping tool. This probably depended on the personal preferences and physical capabilities of the warriors.

The famous Arab traveler Ibn Faddlan noted in his notes that the Russian warriors he met had swords, axes and knives with them, and never parted with these weapons.

What types of axes are there?

First of all, you need to decide on the terminology. What is the name of this or that type of battle ax? Axe, cleaver, chaser, halberd, glevia, guisarma, francisca... Strictly speaking, all these axes are blades mounted on a shaft, capable of chopping. But at the same time they differ greatly.

A mint, or klevets, is a small hatchet whose blade is made in the form of a sharp, beak-like protrusion. The blow with this part of the weapon is exceptionally powerful. High-quality chasing can be used to pierce not only armor, but also shields. On the side of the butt there is a small hammer.

The hammer hatchet is a separate type of weapon, a direct descendant of the Scythian sagaris. It has a narrow blade and also a hammer on the butt.

A poleaxe is not just a huge axe. This is a structurally different weapon, differently balanced, therefore the technique of fighting with an ax is fundamentally different from that when using an ax. The blade of the ax is usually arched, sometimes it can be double-sided.

Franziska - a small throwing ax used by the Franks. This is a relative of the Indian tomahawk. The length of the Francis handle was no more than 80 cm. True, there were also large types of this weapon, not intended for throwing, but they are less remembered.

Halberd, gisarma, glevia are a kind of hybrids of an ax and a spear. The blade, reminiscent of that of a poleaxe, was combined with either the tip of a spear or a sharpened hook and was mounted on a long shaft. If the ax is a chopping type weapon, then such hybrids should also stab, and, if necessary, even cling and pull the enemy from the saddle or rampart.

All these types of bladed weapons were used in Rus'. Some were more popular, some less. We generally imagine the guards of the times of Ivan the Terrible exclusively with halberds, and, for example, the legendary knights - with huge axes. Craftsmen, making modern battle axes, copy these classic examples as far as possible, usually choosing the most spectacular ones in appearance. Unfortunately, it is the ax that makes a weak impression on a person who has little knowledge of edged weapons due to its inconspicuousness. But it was he who was the most common weapon of medieval Rus'.

Classic typology

Although in Rus' there was no pronounced classification difference between these types of weapons, it is still possible to distinguish the following types battle axes.

1. Weapons for combat purposes - hatchets, hammers, peckers, which physically could not be used in household work. This also includes expensively decorated axes. By the way, only 13 copies of such weapons survived, 5 of them were lost, 1 was later discovered in a foreign collection.
2. Small hatchets for universal use. These specimens look like ordinary work axes, they are simply inferior in size. The shape and dimensions of such weapons have already been described above.
3. Massive, heavy axes are predominantly for economic purposes. They were obviously rarely used as weapons by warriors.

Mentioning the features of battle axes, we will focus only on the first two types described. The fact is that the third type is exclusively a working tool. Different versions of halberds or guizarms should not be included in the list either. They undoubtedly belong to the category of striking-cutting weapons, but the length of the shaft does not allow them to be considered an adequate replacement for an ax.

Axes exclusively for military purposes

The classical classification of A. N. Kirpichnikov divides battle axes into 8 types.

• Type 1. These axes have a triangular, narrow and elongated blade, sometimes slightly curved downwards. The jaws of the butt are triangular in shape, and the hammer attachment always produces a square in cross section. They were common in the X-XIII centuries. It is this type that the coin, the most popular battle ax among warriors in Rus', belongs to. It is the coins that are usually found in squad burials. Judging by their exceptional numbers, these axes were not imported. expensive weapons, and were made by local craftsmen.
• Type 2. Another version of the coinage. Its blade is long, trapezoidal in shape, and on the back of the butt there is a narrow lamellar “beak”. This version of the ax is found only in burials dating from the 10th and first half of the 11th century. Similar models were discovered during excavations in Latvia, Poland, Sweden and Hungary.
• Type 3. Combat-purpose hatchet with narrow blade, very common. Such models were found in burials of the 10th-11th centuries throughout Russia. A lot was extracted from the Vladimir mounds. But in the north of the country this type of ax is not particularly widespread. Considering the number of hatchets of this type found in Russia and other countries, and the time of their manufacture, we can conclude that this model was created by local craftsmen, and from here it migrated to neighboring states.

Axes used both in battle and for household needs

• Type 4. A version of the ax with a carved, elongated butt and a wide triangular blade extended downward. The upper edge of the blade is straight. Often the lower part of the blade had a truncated shape, this made it possible to carry the weapon on the shoulder, resting the blade against the back. Two notches on the cheeks provided the blade with reliable fixation on the butt. Archaeologists found these axes in both combat and working versions, in a ratio of almost 50/50. Some household axes were found complete with weapons and may have been used as a universal tool, suitable for both work and battle. The axes found date back to the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries. Often this weapon was the only one that archaeologists discovered with a warrior, and this is not surprising. The exceptionally successful shape of the ax and a reliable, strong butt, secured with triangular jaws, made this weapon surprisingly effective; its efficiency approached unity. Slavic craftsmen knew how to make battle axes practical and formidable weapons. This type of weapon was suitable for a strong vertical blow; the curved edge of the blade made it possible to deliver cutting blows - a property useful not only in battle, but also in everyday life.

Such axes are also considered an exclusively Slavic invention: in Russia, similar finds date back to the 10th century, and foreign analogues were created no earlier than the 11th century, that is, 100 years later.

• Type 5. A type of ax with a significantly drawn down blade and a pronounced notch. The cheekbones have only one lower notch. Such axes were in use in the 10th and early 12th centuries. In the north of Rus', these particular guns were extremely popular; significantly more of them were discovered than other models. And this is quite logical, because Scandinavian culture gave a similar blade shape to the Russians. There were many battle axes of this type; they actively came into use three hundred years earlier.
• Type 6. It differs from the model described above by its characteristic double cheeks. At first, these axes were used as combat axes (from the 10th to the 11th centuries). But their characteristics were significantly lower than those of the 4th type, and already by XII century axes became predominantly workers. They were usually not combat tools, but household tools, which is why the butt was attached so securely.

Wide-bladed and narrow-bladed universal tools

• Type 7. Axes with a symmetrically expanding large blade. The cutting edge of the blade of such a weapon is usually significantly beveled towards the shaft. Such axes are found mostly in the north of the country, which is quite logical, because they were borrowed from the Scandinavians. They were popular with Norman and Anglo-Saxon foot soldiers, as some documentary evidence has survived. But at the same time, this type of ax was actively used in everyday life, even more often than for combat purposes. In Rus', such weapons were often found in peasant burials.
• Type 8. It is very reminiscent of type 3, but its butt design is different. This is an outdated form of a heavy splitting axe, rarely used in combat conditions. Such instruments were popular as weapons in the 5th-9th centuries, later they were replaced by more advanced forms.

To those who live in own home, a tool such as a taiga ax is often needed at the dacha and on hikes. Good quality work tools are expensive and hard to find.

An ax from the market is not always of good quality. Therefore, we will make our own ax using improvised means.

Types of axes

Let's look at the variations of axes:

• A cleaver is a heavy cone-shaped axe. Because of heavy weight Well suited for cutting large, hard wood.
• Carpenter's - light in weight and size, has a pointed blade. Used for careful, precise, careful work with wood.
• Taiga - suitable for cutting down trees, harvesting trees, building a hut, removing bark and branches.
• Tsalda – designed for clearing the area of ​​bushes.
• Kitchen (cook's) - intended only for chopping bones. It is a small hatchet with a short handle and a large “blade”.
• Lumberjack - used only for cutting down trees. Consists of a long ax and a wide, sharp blade.

Of all the above types, the taiga ax is the most necessary and useful.

Distinctive features of the taiga ax:

• Light weight.
• Small piercing surface area (makes it possible to drive it as deep as possible into the wood).
• Specific sharpening of the blade (the back edge is much smaller, thinner than the front.

This feature is made in order to use this type of ax as a cleaver (if the blow is delivered correctly. an ordinary ax blade of the same shape for precise work with wood).

Making a taiga ax

Handle material

The functions of an ax are primarily influenced by its shape and length. The handle should be curved and the cross-section should be oval.

The best types of trees for the handle are maple, oak, ash, and birch. Since these types of wood withstand vibration well upon impact.

Wood harvesting begins in autumn

Dry in dark place. Before use, wood must be stored for about one year, or better yet, five.

It is not advisable to use felled wood as it will dry out over time and will not stay in the eye.

Making a Cardboard Template

On a large cardboard sheet we outline the shape of the handle and apply it to a wooden blank. The template will help us make a more accurate ax handle.

Preparing material for the handle

A block of one-year-old wood is hewn parallel to the grain. The blank for the handle should be longer than the template. We make the place that is inserted into the eyelet wider than the main part.

We outline the attached drawing on both sides, and do not forget to leave allowances. After that they inserted it like this top part into the eyelet, remove excess wood.

Steps to carve an ax handle

Before cutting out the ax handle, you need to make transverse cuts, but so that they do not reach the line of the future handle by approximately 4-5 mm. Using a chisel, remove any remaining wood and excess allowances.

Ore transitions and corners are made by turning with a rasp. After the workpiece is made, sand it until smooth.

Buying a piercing part for a taiga hatchet

It is impossible to make a blade in a domestic environment. In this case, here is a list of what you need to focus on when buying it at the market or in a hardware store:

• Availability of GOST marking (indicates the quality of the steel);
• The hole for the handle (eye) should be cone-shaped;
• The blade is smooth, without defects;

Collecting an ax

• We cut the upper part of the handle lengthwise and crosswise.
• We cut five pieces from hard trees.
• We wrap gauze soaked in resin around the top of the handle for better fit into the hole of the blade.
• Using a hammer, hammer in the handle.
• We hammer the prepared pieces into the cuts at the top of the axe.
• After the structure has dried, cut off the protruding parts of the wooden pieces.

Note!

Sharpening the piercing part of the taiga ax

Excellent performance of the hatchet is ensured by a properly sharpened blade. The sharpening angle depends on the activity you will perform with the axe.

The taiga ax is sharpened at an angle of 30-35 ̊. If they will be working with fresh wood, then we sharpen it at an angle of 25 ̊.

If you use a sharpening wheel for sharpening, then the ax handle must be held at an angle of 40-45 ̊. We reproduce the sharpening slowly and carefully.

If you have all the necessary tools in stock, a photo of the step-by-step production of an ax, then its creation will not take large quantity time, effort and money, and in return you will receive a high-quality ax made by yourself.

But do not forget that with a piercing part made of high-quality metal, the ax will last much longer and if the handle is treated linseed oil, then it will not rot and deteriorate.

Photo of ax with your own hands

Note!

Note!

Dark times, the Middle Ages, knights and barbarians, campaigns of conquest and massacres. Many representatives are interested in this topic human race. Some people admire the courage and bravery of the warriors of the past, others are trying to understand what motivated the rulers who destroyed entire clans.

But an integral topic of such research was and remains the weapons used by the soldiers. One of the most ancient and widespread is the ax and its types.

What is a poleaxe?

The modern word “axe” has its roots in the Old Slavonic “sikira” or “sokira”. Translated, these words have general meaning- axe.

One of the most dangerous weapons of the past was the ax. The meaning of the word fully justifies its appearance. Almost all types of this weapon similar. A wooden shaft, the length of which varies from several tens of centimeters to one meter. There is a blade mounted on it, long and wide. The blade, the length of which reaches thirty centimeters, has a semicircular shape.

The ax and its types have become widespread in many countries of the world, but in different eras and centuries.

where and when were the weapons used?

The first mention of what a poleaxe is dates back to ancient times. It is known that in Ancient Egypt the ax was made of bronze and was very popular among warriors. The battle ax became the most common weapon in Eastern region. Blacksmiths and gunsmiths experimented with appearance and soon they created an ax that had two parallel blades. This type of weapon did not bypass Ancient Rome and Greece.

During the battle, warriors armed with an ax were in the second rank. They dealt deadly shield attacks. The long shaft of the weapon was used for strategic purposes: in battle, infantrymen tripped the legs of opponents and horses.

But Europe learned much later what a poleaxe was. The definition of the word remains the same: a battle ax with a long shaft. However, weapons only became widespread after the first infantry troops appeared in the eighteenth century.

How has the ax changed in Europe?

With the appearance in European countries Eighteenth-century infantrymen, the ax became increasingly popular. The meaning of the word did not change; it was still a battle ax with a rounded blade and a shaft of varying lengths. However, the appearance has changed.

In a battle against soldiers dressed in cast armor and helmets, an ax swing was not enough to inflict significant damage on the soldiers. Then the length of the shaft was changed. In the hands of the soldiers there was a weapon two meters long, to the tip of which were attached not only sharp blades, but also various hooks, bayonets and tips.

But it is worth noting that even in this era, the ax on the shaft was not used as a spear. The imbalance of the shaft and tip did not allow for accurate long-distance throws.

During the period from the heyday of Ancient Civilizations to eighteenth-century Europe, the ax underwent several changes.

Halberd

One of the varieties of the ax was the halberd. It became widespread in the fifteenth century, becoming the most effective weapon against armored cavalry troops.

The appearance is slightly different from regular weapons. The shaft of the halberd ranged from one meter to two and a half, and Weight Limit- almost six kilograms. The blade was different forms: flat, narrow, crescent, concave or vice versa. The main difference between the halberd is the combined tip, the length of which could reach one meter.

For fatal blows, the tip of the halberd was equipped with a needle-shaped spear blade, hook or butt.

Scandinavian ax

When wondering what a poleaxe is, one cannot ignore the Scandinavian version. This type of weapon dates back to the Middle Ages. Outwardly it resembles a modern analogue, but differs in a wider blade, equally diverging to the sides. The shaft of the weapon was thin. The width of the blade was only two and a half centimeters, and the weight excluding the shaft was no more than 500 grams.

It was from Scandinavia that the battle ax migrated to Europe at the beginning of the tenth century, and it reached Rus' only in the second half of the century. And if in Rus' they stopped using the battle ax in the thirteenth century, then European warriors did not give it up yet for a long time.

Ax of Perun

What is a poleaxe? Of course, a battle axe. But this is not the complete answer. In addition to the weapons of infantrymen and warriors of the past, such an ax was a talisman among the Slavs.

Ax of Perun, according to modern research, was one of the favorite types of weapons of the main and strongest Slavic god.

Perun's ax is main amulet warriors going into battle. According to legend, the talisman deflects spears and arrows from a person. But it protects only those who fight for their Motherland and their people.

However, the symbol of divine weapons does not only help people associated with battles. The ax took on the symbolism of its owner and became a talisman that helps overcome difficulties. It gives strength to fight evil and darkness.