Harold's Housecarls at the Battle of Hastings

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Harold's Housecarls at the Battle of Hastings
- Javelin
  - Long axe
    - Sword
      - Axes
        Trained to make their own axes
        Could deliver a devasating blow to a horse
- Shields
  - Usually round
    - Housecarls formed the shield wall
      - Could make a gap in the wall for axemen to strike inbetween
- Elite skills:
  - Shield wall
    - Long handed axe
      - The most elite foot soldiers in Europe
- Armour
  - Chain mail or metal plates
    - Conical helmet with nose piece
  - Similar design to Norman armour
They fought to the death to protect their King
ADVANTAGES
- A disciplined shield wall was proof against arrows and very hard to break
- Heavy axes could cause terriable damage to horses
DISADVANTAGES
- Dependent on discipline and endurance
- Once the shield wall broke, it was useless
- Battles with shield walls usually resulted in melleés

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