290 CHAPTER 3
increased during this phase, based on the increase in their number, coinciding
with the development of broad seaxes (‘Breitsax’) and changes in their blade
shape.547
These proportions changed significantly during the Late phase: the majority
of edged weapons dating to this period are represented by straight single-edged
swords (mainly with crossguards),548 whilst the rate of sabres decreased,549 and
the significance and number of seaxes reached their peak (map 26).550 The few
double-edged swords from the 8th century are probably imports of western or
Byzantine origin.551
The following trends may be observed from this chronological distribution:
1 the single-edged swords successively outnumbered the double-edged
during the Early phase;
2 the sabres with curved blade developed from straight single-edged
swords;
3 the significance of seaxes increased continuously.
The first of these trends was probably a consequence of the change in sword
suspension. The spread of two-point suspension facilitated the pulling of the
sword from its scabbard, thus lighter single-edged swords superseded double-
edged blades.
Single-edged swords were of triangular or pentagonal cross section, and
therefore they were not suitable for thrusting. This led to the formation of the
false edge which facilitated thrusting whilst not effecting the cutting mecha-
nism of the blade.
The most significant step in this transformation of blade morphology
was the appearance of the curved blade. The curvature of sabre blades can
be determined by a quotient of the height of the segment and length of the
line along its width. These curved blades are most characteristic of the Middle
phase (second half of the 7th century) while the Late phase is characterised
largely by slightly curved blades.
The blades of these edged weapons are usually not suitable for finer chrono-
logical distinctions than a century; however, their fittings and decoration, such
547 25 seaxes (17%) are known from the Middle phase.
548 70 examples, 41.9% of Late phase edged-weapons, 30 of which were equipped with
crossguards.
549 51 examples, 32.48%.
550 38 examples, 22.75%.
551 Eight examples, 4.79%.