The Viking Age
began in 793AD when a band of Scandinavians sacked the monastery at Lindisfarne.
It ended with the death of Harold Hardrada in 1066 at the battle of Stamford
Bridge. This was an age of heroic journeys and great battles.
Viking armor consisted
of helmets, swords, shields, and chain mail or leather tunics.
For defense, circular
shields - A typical shield was 32-36 inches in diameter. They
were made of wooden boards and had a central hole for an iron hand grip,
which was riveted to the back of the boards. A domed iron boss was
fitted over the hole to protect the hand. Around 1000, the continental,
kite shaped shield was introduced, which gave more protection for the legs.
Viking helmets
were probably worn only by the leading men. Although the horned helmet
is a modern myth, we have several to choose from.
Our rental shields
are made with pine boards or plywood with aluminum for theatrical purpose.
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