Precision Weapons 

 Swords were optimised for fast and controlled movements, making them efficient weapons for precise thrusts and cuts. The sword was held as an extension of the arm to maximise reach. This was facilitated by a flatter pommel – and the development of hilt forms followed precisely this tendency. As the relatively small guards and crossguards did not offer adequate protection for the hand, these swords were used in combination with a shield.

Location: Nydam bog
Material: Iron

Roman inspiration – German innovation

Germanic Manufacture

The early single-edged swords were produced entirely by Germanic craftspeople. Their asymmetrical hilts resemble the handles of kitchen knives or handsaws. They have neither pommels nor guards.

Location: Thorsberg bog
Material: Wood

Roman Models

Later, Germanic peoples imported double-edged sword blades from the Roman Empire but produced the hilts themselves. While doing so the designs continued to follow Roman models, with spherical pommels and hemispherical guards. The elaborate decoration with ornamental studs, however, is characteristic of Germanic craftsmanship.

Location: Thorsberg bog
Material: Wood, copper alloy

Germanic Adaptation

Over time, Germanic peoples began to adapt Roman hilt forms to the requirements of their fighting technique. Viewed from above, the pommels and guards became oval or even flat. This accommodated the Germanic sword-fighting technique, in which the opponent was attacked frontally with a straight thrust. With this technique, the pommel rested more securely in the hand.

Location: Thorsberg bog
Material: Wood, copper alloy

Optimisation

Pommels and guards with a rectangular side profile and a pointed-oval shape when viewed from above were even better suited than flat hilts. They not only fitted comfortably in the hand but also provided greater control and precision in wielding the sword.

Location: Thorsberg bog
Material: silver

Refinement

This development continued through further refinements. While retaining the same basic form, the pommels and guards became longer and even narrower.

Location: Thorsberg bog
Material: Silver