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Viking Shields
Viking shields, like the Trelleborg and Gokstad finds, were an integral part of combat. As armour like maile and helmets were expensive, shields were the main form of defence for a Viking warrior. With a diameter of about 85 centimeters and a thickness of 8 - 5 millimeters they were much thinner and lighter than most people think.
Follow Up Tasks
1. Draw a blueprint for a viking shield. Think about each component you would need to make it. Once you are done create a set of instructions on how to make one.
2. How would you paint your shield? Using colours from the Viking age, draw and design your own shield decorations.
3. Harald Bluetooth constructed the fortress where the Trelleborg shield was found. What else can you find out about the site and what other items of interest were found there?
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