white norman shield Gespen en riembeslag Oudheid Axes of this type began

Axes of this type began to appear from the second half of the 15th century

similar to the way fashionable doublets were worn

The blade is constructed from durable materials suited to intensive use

The weapon was worn predominantly by the wealthy bourgeoisie

Arming doublets were worn beneath plate armour from the 15th century onward

white norman shield Gespen en riembeslag Oudheid Axes of this type beganThe shield is based on originals depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry (1066), the Codex Aureus Epternacensis (early 11th century), and the chronicle Liber ad honorem Augusti sive de rebus Siculis (1196). Shields of this type were probably introduced by the Normans and, following the First Crusade, were employed in all Christian, Byzantine, and some Islamic armies. The shield offered excellent protection and was used by both cavalry and infantry. During