What Was an Ulfberht? The Viking Super-Sword You've Never Heard Of

Become a member for more content on Medieval Wisdom here 👇    / @medievalwisdom   ======================================= SUBSCRIBE for more ancient wisdom that beats modern technology! 👍 LIKE if you're like medieval masters! 00:00 DROP A COMMENT 01:18 THE PROBLEM WITH VIKING STEEL 03:54 THE IMPOSSIBLE METAL 05:53 THE SILK ROAD OF STEEL 08:57 THE COUNTERFEIT CRISIS 12:21 THE RECREATION — PROVING IT WAS POSSIBLE 15:57 THE REAL LESSON DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only. Do your own research and consult experts before attempting any cooling modifications. We are not responsible for outcomes from following these methods. For content removal requests, contact [email protected] Around one hundred and seventy Viking-era swords have been found bearing the inscription ULFBERHT — and their steel should not exist. Modern analysis reveals crucible steel with a carbon content three times higher than any other European blade of the period, a level of purity that would not be seen again until the Industrial Revolution. This video traces the Ulfberht from the forges of the Rhine to the trade routes of Central Asia, reveals why most surviving Ulfberhts are actually medieval counterfeits, and follows a modern blacksmith's attempt to recreate one using only historical methods. SOURCES Williams, Alan. "Crucible Steel in Medieval Swords." In Metals and Mines, ed. La Niece, Hook, Craddock. London: Archetype Press / British Museum, 2007, pp. 233-241. Williams, Alan. "A Metallurgical Study of Some Viking Swords." Gladius 29 (2009): 121-184. Stalsberg, Anne. "Ulfberht Swords." Various publications on geographic distribution (2008). Moilanen, Mikko. Marks of Fire, Value and Faith: Swords with Ferrous Inlays in Finland during the Late Iron Age. Archaeologia Medii Aevi Finlandiae XXI, 2015. NOVA / National Geographic. "Secrets of the Viking Sword." Documentary, 2012. Featuring Richard Furrer, Dr. Alan Williams, John Clements. Lehmann, Robert. Analysis of Ulfberht sword from Weser River, University of Hannover. Reported in Süddeutsche Zeitung, 2014. [VERIFY exact publication] Laxdæla saga, Chapter 13 — sword value in half-mark of gold. Wikipedia: "Ulfberht swords" — consolidated archaeological data, 167 confirmed specimens. [Cross-reference with Stalsberg/Moilanen for exact counts] medieval sword, Viking metallurgy, crucible steel Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.