Ballateare Viking sword, 850-900 (iron)

This steel sword was made for combat and for show. It was found with the remains of a Viking buried at Ballateare who had been buried in a wooden coffin under an earthen mound. The sword was probably made in Norway. The blade is double-edged and the handle, or hilt, is made from iron with an inlaid silver and copper design. It was buried in the scabbard in which it was carried. Even this “carrying-case” had ornate fittings made from bronze. Viking swords were designed as single-hand weapons, and they were often used along with an axe. When a Viking died, his weapons including his sword, were buried with him, though broken into pieces to discourage grave-robbers.