Morphology
It was a development of the Roman spatha, evolving out of the Migration Period sword in the 8th century, and into the classical knightly sword in the 11th century with the emergence of larger cross-guards. Of particular note is the "Ulfberht" subset, which used steel of higher purity and carbon content than its peers in the region and was possibly imported in ingot form from the middle or far east.
Blade length varied from 28 to 33 inches. Early examples have single, deep, wide fullers running the full length of the blade. Later examples have multiple narrow fullers. A fuller reduces the weight of the blade without compromising the strength. This weight reduction would allow the wielder to swing faster and harder strokes. Additionally, to be more useful against chain mail, the end of the blade was more tapered than its predecessors.
All have short single-handed hilts with pyramid, lobed or cocked-hat style pommels. Pommels were made of iron and were heavier than on the earlier Migration Period sword. They started to act as a counterweight to the blade.
Read more about this topic: Viking Sword
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