Hello fellow history enthusiasts and blade aficionados,

questions about historical body proportions come up regularly when discussing historical and prehistoric fighting techniques.

Fortunately, archaeology provides some surprisingly clear answers.

Were People Smaller in the Past?

One widespread assumption is that human body height increased steadily throughout history and that people today are generally taller than our ancestors.

The archaeological record paints a more nuanced picture.

Studies of skeletal remains show that body height fluctuated considerably depending on living conditions, nutrition, disease, and social structures rather than following a simple upward trend.

For example, men of the Early Bronze Age Únětice culture averaged 167.6 cm — exactly the same figure reported for Thailand in 2009.

Men in the Roman Imperial period reached heights broadly comparable to those of today, whereas average stature in the middle of the 19th century was not greater than in the Stone Age.

Viking Age Scandinavians averaged around 172 cm, with some individuals approaching two metres.

This matters because it reminds us that historical people were not fundamentally different bodies moving in unfamiliar ways. They were humans shaped by environments and circumstances — just as we are.

If you would like to explore the topic further, I recommend:

• Caroline Ahlström Arcini — The Viking Age – A Time of Many Faces​
• Nicole Nicklisch — Spurensuche am Skelett​
• Pavel Grasgruber et al. — Major Correlates of Male Height

Germanic Shields in Motion

Speaking of bodies in action:

A new video on my Patreon explores combat training with Germanic shields.

Recorded during the Berlin Buckler Bouts, the footage shows practical experimentation with centre-gripped Germanic-style shields and training versions of single-edged swords inspired by finds and research connected with the Roman Imperial period.

One thing struck me immediately: despite offering considerably more cover than a buckler, these shields remain remarkably agile. Their limited width allows for dynamic thrusting actions, while their short edges can be manoeuvred in unexpectedly lively ways.

The result is a style of fencing that feels fast, mobile, and tremendous fun.

Everybody is welcome to watch the public preview. Patrons of according tiers can enjoy the full video.

And to all patrons: thank you. Your support makes experiments like this possible.

So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed.

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Shields up!

Roland

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