Migration Period Swords

By Crusader1307

Migration Swords are a Classification of bladed weapons (primarily The Sword), which were created during The World History Era known as The ''Migration Period'', Although debated as to it's actual beginnings, The Period began around the 3rd Century AD and ended in the 5th Century AD Period. It was characterized by Wars, Invasions and Natural disasters and the eventual decline of The Roman Empire. Without a ''Pax Romanus'', many Countries and Peoples fell into anarchy. While Roman ways translated into just about all facet of life, so to did their weaponry. The Galdius and Spatha, two of Rome's primary edged weapons, were copied by many of it's Colonies. These served as the initial design for Centuries of Swords. The Class of Migration Swords incorporated local design and manufacturing patterns to existing Roman ones. Migration Period Swords (as few as they are), all feature a common design form. Roughly 27 to 33-inches of blade length, most an iron steel alloy, fused for strength (forged), Blades are double edged (sharpened). Blade tips or points were not sharped – but rounded. While the ''thrust'' was used, most were used as chopping weapons. Handles all feature the common design of an open ''T-''Pattern, with a wider Guard, for the idea of protecting the hand of the User without sacrificing movement. The Pommel or end were not a rounded as with Roman Models, but began to become flared.

Grips were wooden and fitted, and ranged from 5 to 6-inches, depending on Country or Region of origin. These Grips were often covered with leather or other perishable material. None of these construction types have survived the Eons. Most were ornate, decorated according again to Country or Region. ''Royal'' or Ceremonial Swords (most of which were Funerary), were often plated in gold and encrusted with precious stones. ''War'' or ''Common'' Blades were of simple construction. Sheaths were often wooden and covered in leather or cloth (of which few have obviously not survived), with some of the more ornate being made of metal. The overall design would remain fixed even into The Merovingian Period which extended to the7th Century AD. The last version of The Migration Sword can be seen still in used by The Norse and Carolingian Peoples from the 8th to 11th Century AD.