An ancient Russian warrior could use different types of edged weapons. One of the main weapons was the battle ax. Such a product could be useful on the battlefield and on a campaign, which contributed to its widespread distribution and long-term preservation in the ranks. In addition, over the centuries, battle axes have constantly evolved, giving advantages over the enemy.
Classification problem
To date, several thousand axes of various kinds and types have been discovered in the territories of Ancient Rus. At the same time, archaeologists did not always find exactly the battle axes used by the warriors. Products similar in design could be used in the national economy or in the troops to solve support problems. As a result, it was necessary to create a classification of axes, taking into account the versatility of such products.
First of all, the actual battle axes of all varieties and types stand out. In terms of size, they basically did not differ from other axes, but they had a smaller blade and were lighter - no more than 450-500 g. They were intended for battles, but could also be used for economic needs, although in this respect they did not differ in particular convenience.
Some battle-axes were similar to status and ceremonial weapons. Such hatchets were notable for their small size, mostly they were versions of compact engravings. They were richly decorated to match the status of the owner.
The third main class is working axes. These were larger and heavier samples designed for various jobs. In some situations, working axes were used in battle, but in terms of convenience they were noticeably inferior to specialized models.
Over the course of several centuries of development, axes have repeatedly changed their shape, and this applies to both combat and working models. Only for weapons of the X-XIII centuries. it is customary to distinguish eight different types of blade. They differ in the shape and size of the working part, the presence or absence of a protruding butt, etc.
Ax options
The first mentions of Slavic warriors with axes date back to the 8th century, but archaeological data for that period are extremely scarce. A noticeable number of finds date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. This was facilitated by the development of ancient Russian rati, the need for mass weapons for the infantry, as well as an active search for new designs and other factors.
All known battle axes had a total length of no more than 750-800 mm. The length of the blade rarely exceeded 150-170 mm, and the mass was usually in the range of 400-500 g. Weapons of this configuration were quite convenient to carry and use, primarily in battle. Some of the axes had a hole in the wider part of the blade, which at one time became a topic of controversy. It was found that a string was threaded through the hole to secure the protective cover.
The actual ax was forged from iron or steel, depending on the capabilities of the blacksmith. A suitable tree, a simple and affordable material, went to the ax.
Probably, battle-axes were borrowed from the nomads (type I in the table by A. N. Kirpichnikov). Such a weapon had a narrow and long blade, and also received a hammer-shaped butt. The strike with a chisel could be carried out both with a blade and with a butt, which ensured an effective transfer of energy to the target. In addition, the ax had a good balance, which improved the accuracy of the blow.
The hammer-shaped butt could be used with a blade of different shapes, from narrow elongated to beard-shaped. There were also butts of shorter length and a larger area, intended for strikes.
The Scandinavian influence explains the appearance in Russia of ax-axes with a straightened upper edge and a rounded narrow blade drawn downward (type V). This blade design made it possible to combine a chopping blow with cutting. There were also similar axes with a concave upper edge and a different butt (type IV).
Also "from the Varangians" came the so-called. wide-bladed axes (type VII) - axes with a triangular or similar blade, symmetrical or with slight asymmetry. It is curious that such samples could be equipped with a longer ax. The total length of such a battle ax, unlike other varieties, reached 1 m.
It is curious that only chisel-axes were purely military weapons, poorly adapted to solving other tasks. The specific configuration of the blade and butt made it difficult to chop wood or other work. All other types of battle axes and battle axes had economic "brothers". Usually, working axes, while maintaining the contours of the parts, differed from their combat dimensions and weight.
Battle and working axes of all known types were distributed throughout Ancient Russia and were actively used by squads. At the same time, in different periods and in different regions, certain designs prevailed. So, mints were more common in the South, near the places of their original appearance, and axes of the Scandinavian type were in the northern regions. However, nothing prevented the interpenetration of weapons culture and the use of someone else's experience.
Simple and massive
A battle ax, regardless of its type, was simpler and cheaper to manufacture than a sword, although it was inferior in this respect to a spear. As a result, already in the IX-X centuries. axes of various types become one of the main weapons of rati. Moreover, unlike other weapons, the ax was used only in the infantry. The guards usually used special battle axes, and the militia often had to take workers.
In battle, the ax was useful due to the accuracy and power of the blow. In addition, he made it possible to fight the enemy's defense. A successful blow was able to shatter a wooden shield, and chain mail or soft armor could not protect a warrior from shattering action.
The battle ax retained its position until the 12th century, when the situation began to change. In archaeological complexes dating back to the XII-XIII centuries, axes are found in significant quantities, but already with many spears, swords, etc. The warriors, if possible, replaced the ax with a more convenient weapon with a long blade, while the militia retained it.
Despite the reduction in their role, battle axes remained in service. In addition, their development continued. The evolution of such weapons has been associated with axes of all versions. The shapes and configurations of the blade and butt were changed, the handle was being finalized. Subsequently, these processes led to the emergence of a wide moon-shaped blade, on the basis of which the reed was created. Its final appearance was determined in the 15th century, and with one or another change, such a weapon served for several centuries.
In parallel with battle axes, the troops used similar models for economic purposes. With their help, the construction of various structures, the organization of engineering barriers, etc. was carried out. It is noteworthy that the ax remains in the role of a working tool in our army to this day, although its combat varieties have long gone into history.
Useful versatility
The first battle axes among the Slavs appeared almost in the middle of the first millennium of our era, and later such weapons became the most important attribute of the ancient Russian warrior. For centuries, various types of battle axes have been used in conjunction with other infantry weapons.
However, the further development of rati, the growth of the importance of cavalry and new threats to the infantry led to the rearmament and a change in the nomenclature of the infantryman's main equipment. The role of battle axes was reduced, some of their tasks were now solved with the help of swords and sabers. However, the development of axes did not stop and led to the emergence of new types of cold pole weapons.
In the future, these samples were also removed from service due to the final obsolescence. Despite all this, the work axes have not gone anywhere. They remained in the army and the national economy and did their own thing. The versatility and the ability to perform different tasks turned out to be useful - and after leaving the battlefield, the axes did not remain without work.
