Research Concept Completed

Hello fellow (pre-)history enthusiasts,

over the past months, I have brought together many strands of my work into a structured research concept on Bronze Age combat.

At its core lies a simple question: how were these weapons actually used?

By combining archaeological evidence, experimental testing, and practical martial expertise, the project aims to move beyond long-standing assumptions and towards a clearer understanding of prehistoric fighting techniques.

I have also printed a small run and will soon begin presenting it. Text is in German but I provide the key points in English in an according post.

The complete concept is now available to according patron tiers as a downloadable PDF.

On the Road: Jena and Halle

When this newsletter reaches you, I will be on the road — first in Jena, and then in Halle at the State Museum of Prehistory.

There, I will document a range of Bronze and Iron Age weapons, continuing the work that feeds directly into this research project.

Opportunities like this are invaluable. They allow close study of original artefacts — something no photograph or publication can fully replace.

And they are only possible thanks to your support on Patreon.

A Remarkable Medieval Sword in Motion

Finally, something for the medieval sword geeks among us:

A new video features a particularly delicate 12th/13th-century example. With an overall length of just 85.2 cm and a weight of 833 grams, it is exceptionally light and agile — fast in the hand, though with less blade presence than heavier examples. Actually quite similar to training swords by Landsknecht Emporium presented here.

The blade itself is equally intriguing: a short fuller, a lenticular profile, and a notably acute point. Whether these proportions reflect its original form remains an open question — and one worth exploring further.

You can watch the video via the link below. Depending on your access, you will see either a preview or the full version.

My full-size illustration of the sword with all relevant data is available to according patron tiers. For more life-size drawings, visit my shop.

Take care, and keep your blade well-honed.

Roland

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If you wish to read more, find hundreds of related posts on my Patreon. Special thanks to all my loyal supporters on Patreon – you keep me going! And if you are not a patron yet, you are most welcome to join.

If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest.

Yours,

Roland

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