The Secret History of the Carolingian Sword

When picturing a great warrior exiting their longship, the weapon they wield almost definitely includes the famous Viking sword, but this author is aware of a unique fact. The greatest weapons of the Viking raiders were often not Scandinavian at all, but instead, they were Carolingian swords manufactured by the metallurgists of Charlemagne’s Frankish Empire.

Due to the extreme performance of these weapons in battle, they generated a massive black market. So in this article, we will explore the history, construction, and attraction of these pieces to present-day collectors.

What are Carolingian Swords?

The Carolingian sword is a specific single-handed weapon style that dominated the European battlefields from the 8th to 11th centuries. The sword's name came from the name of the royal family that directed the Franks. When compared to swords of their era, they were far superior and made great innovations when creating these weapons.

The Weapons Ban that Sparked a Black Market

Frankish blacksmiths developed forged steel during the early Middle Ages that was superior to forged iron weapons made elsewhere. Frankish weapons were much more flexible, much stronger, and did not break as easily as weapons created using more brittle iron throughout Europe.

Because many weapons created in this method were continually being used against Charlemagne’s people, in 779, he placed a ban on all exports of these weapons. Selling these specific weapons to anyone outside of the Frankish Empire was punished by death.

However, the demand for high-quality forged steel was too great. Norse traders and smugglers risked their lives to obtain these weapons. Once placed in the hands of a Norseman, they would take the bare blade back to Scandinavia, where they would add ornately designed handgrips, signifying their great wealth.

Why Collectors Love These Historical Swords

Today, there are many options for purchasing a quality sword, regardless of your intended purpose. However, this style of sword remains the most coveted among collectors for many reasons:

●     Great Balance: The weight of the sword used in combat will feel like the same amount of weight, ideally balanced as it would in combat against another soldier using an ancient sword.

●     Amazingly Beautiful: The exceptionally unique pommel and extravagant blade shape make them the perfect decorative selection to be hung on your wall or used as a display.

●     History: By the very act of owning this weapon, you now possess a piece of the historical military arsenal.

Final Thoughts

The Carolingian sword design is way more than just an old artifact. It shows the pure engineering smarts of early medieval makers. If you want to add bold, historical swords to your personal setup, Battling Blades has a great selection of reliable, hand-forged pieces built to last. Check out the store today and find the perfect addition to your collection!

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