Archaeologists have unearthed further evidence of spear bows – a hybrid weapon combining features of both the longbow and the spear – in Denmark, adding to a growing body of research suggesting the weapon was more widespread in Viking and pre-Viking cultures than previously understood.
The latest findings, building on a 1859 excavation led by Danish archaeologist Conrad Engelhardt at Nydam Mose, Denmark, reveal two spear bows dating back to the Migration Period (250–400 AD). One featured an iron tip, whereas the other had a tip crafted from antler. Engelhardt’s initial dig uncovered eight spear bows among forty bows discovered at the site, a concentration that has prompted renewed interest in the weapon’s design and potential use.
A spear bow, also known as a bow lance, is essentially a longbow fitted with a speartip or bayonet at the end of the upper bow arm. This configuration allowed warriors to utilize the weapon as either a ranged bow or a close-quarters spear, offering versatility on the battlefield. When strung, the bow functions as a curved spear, capable of maneuvering around shields or other defensive structures. When unstrung, it straightens and operates more like a traditional spear.
Recent analysis, popularized by archer Lars Andersen, suggests the spear bow’s design offered unique tactical advantages. Andersen’s research highlights the weapon’s ability to circumvent shield walls, a common defensive formation in the Viking Age and earlier periods. Yet, questions remain regarding the weapon’s overall effectiveness and why it didn’t become a more dominant weapon system.
Historical accounts indicate variations in spear bow construction. In Japan, two distinct approaches existed: the attachment of a dedicated socketed bayonet, known as a hazuyari, or the improvised tying of a throwing dart, called an uchine, to the bow’s end. North American Lakota people also utilized long spear bows, referred to as bow lances, as early as the 19th century.
The discovery of a Sámi spear bow by German archaeologist Harm Paulsen further expands the geographical range of the weapon’s historical presence. These findings challenge the notion that the spear bow was a localized or experimental design, suggesting a more widespread adoption across diverse cultures and time periods.
Currently, the Throne and Liberty online game features a character build centered around a spear and longbow combination, demonstrating a continued fascination with the weapon archetype in modern gaming culture. The build focuses on delivering high area-of-effect damage, leveraging the synergy between abilities like Vicious Fury and Javelin Surge.
Despite the archaeological evidence and renewed interest, the precise reasons for the spear bow’s limited historical success remain unclear. Further research is needed to determine whether logistical challenges, manufacturing complexities, or tactical limitations contributed to its relatively infrequent use in large-scale conflicts.
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