Index card 14

http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castle36.htm

double edged swords, axes, metal tiped spears became popular during the bronze and iron ages. The sword however was very expensive; Saxons were said to value a sword at 15 male slaves or 120 oxen. Axes first gained recognition when the vikings started raiding the coast of Europe. In a garisson the most valueable weapon was the crossbow. Peasants fought with whatever they hand, most likely their farm tools like sickles. In a siege, commanders used trebuchets, mangonel and balistas to break down the castle walls. The 13th century brought new, improved swords, and other weapons, the 14th century focused on gunpowder.