re: An historical question

[Michael P Johnson <mjohnso7@osf1.gmu.edu>]

On Wed, 15 Feb 1995, John Strauss wrote:

> I seem to recall that, in England, the axe was used to behead 
> most folks and the sword was used for royalty. Can't really
> remember where I heard that, so don't take it _too_ seriously.
> 
> My idea of a primary source is a movie that I saw, first-hand....


The axe was the prefered weapon of the Saxons.  In fact the thane usually 
had a ceremonial axe which he carried in his belt to show people that he 
was the thane.  Sort of like a crown.  As for swords, anyone that could 
get their hands on one used them.  They're just harder to make than axes.