Hello fellow fighters and archaeology enthusiasts,

this week, it is all about spears and shields!

On Saturday, 3 October, we will finally release our new online course dedicated entirely to fighting with what was arguably one of the most important weapon combinations in European history.

Before we get there, however, I have some remarkable archaeological spears to show you — including a mystery hidden among hundreds of weapon shafts from the bogs of Nydam and Thorsberg.

Spears from the Bog

Hundreds of spear and lance shafts have survived in the extraordinary weapon deposits of Nydam and Thorsberg — together with spearheads, shields, swords and other military equipment.

Their preservation gives us a rare opportunity to look beyond the iron spearhead and examine the complete weapon.

Yet when I recently spoke with my friend and archaeologist Ingo Petri about these finds, he mentioned something that immediately caught my attention.

Despite the enormous number of preserved shafts, researcher Andreas Rau could not establish clearly defined groups of standard spear lengths.

Why is that interesting?

Because there is considerable evidence for specialised craftsmanship and serial production in other aspects of these weapons. And because the situation appears to be rather different several centuries later, during the Viking Age.

There may be a surprisingly practical explanation — and one that corresponds rather nicely with my own experience with making and using spear shafts.

I have put the complete story, along with photographs of original weapons from Nydam, Thorsberg and Illerup, into a new Patreon post:

Seven Years Ago — Spears in Motion

Of course, archaeological weapons only tell part of the story.

Ultimately, spears and shields were made to move.

Seven years ago, we recorded this little demonstration of spear-and-shield fighting. Watching it again now, I think it has aged rather well — and it still conveys something that static photographs cannot: just how dynamic this weapon combination can be.

If this whets your appetite for picking up spear and shield yourself, the timing could hardly be better.

Early Access Starts Before Saturday!

Our new spear-and-shield online course will officially be released this coming Saturday, 3 October.

Those on the waitlist will not have to wait that long. Join now and you will receive early access before the official launch, along with our best launch offer.

And there is something else:

🎁 Everyone on the waitlist will receive a free bonus gift — whether you decide to purchase the course or not.

So if spear-and-shield fighting interests you, there really is no reason to wait until Saturday:

I am very much looking forward to finally sharing this course with you. Arttu has developed an exceptionally coherent approach to spear-and-shield combat, integrating thrusting, throwing, weapon control and shield work into a single system. Bringing it to the Dimicator Online School has been a project we have worked on for a full year now.

Almost there!

Prefer Your Spears in the Viking Age?

Then there is still another option.

The Ribe Bouts will take place on 16–18 October at Ribe VikingeCenter. We will once again combine martial arts training with Viking Age living history in the reconstructed houses.

If the recent photos from Hedeby made you wish you had been there, Ribe offers another chance. Sign up now if you would like to join us.

Hope to see you in the Viking Age soon — spear and shield at the ready!

Roland

P. S. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please recommend it to your friends. They can sign up here or on my website. Or simply forward them this email.

Improve your skills with our sword-and-buckler online courses.

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.

You are receiving this newsletter because you have signed up for it, or because you have previously expressed your interest in my work and events. If you prefer to not receive further emails, you can unsubscribe below.