To see AR mode in action:

1. Install ARTEFACT app for iOS or Android;

2. Find the exhibition «Rus and Horde: 14th Century Warfare»

3. Push the «Augmented reality» button and point your phone's camera at the exhibit;

Ax

Creation period

the 12th–14th centuries

Place of сreation

Rus

Dimensions

length — 19 cm; blade width — 12,3 cm; sleeve diameter — 3,7 cm

Technique

iron, forging

Collection

State Museum-Reserve “Kulikovo Field”

Exhibition

Rus and Horde: 14th Century Warfare

Open in app

Топор

The battle ax on display at the Kulikovo Field Museum-Reserve was part of the offensive weapons used by warriors in the 12th–14th centuries.

An ancient Russian warrior could use various types of cold arms, including battle axes. Over the centuries, these weapons constantly evolved. As they had to be carried during campaigns, they became lighter and smaller.

In battle, the ax was effective due to its precision and power. A well-placed strike could shatter a wooden shield. Chain mail and soft armor could not protect the wearer against the crushing force of an ax blow.

In their book “Armament”, Anatoly Nikolayevich Kirpichnikov and Alexander Filippovich Medvedev wrote,

The history of the battle ax is determined by two contradictory trends. The dominance of cavalry relegated the ax to a plebeian weapon; however, advancements in armor and the strengthening of infantry once again elevated it to a popular means of warfare. Unlike infantry, cavalrymen rarely used various axes — especially battle axes.

Approximately 1,600 axes have been discovered on the territory of Ancient Rus. These axes can be divided into three groups:

specialized battle axes, which were decorated, have a characteristic design and are rather small;
pole axes resembling working axes but smaller, used for both military and everyday purposes;
large and heavy working axes that were apparently rarely employed in warfare.

During the Middle Ages, axes became widespread across Ancient Rus. This process began during the pre-Mongol period, in the 12th century. During the Late Middle Ages — when the Battle of Kulikovo occurred — axes remained part of the armament of Russian warriors, although they were not as common as before. The displayed pole ax closely resembles those used before the Mongol invasion. However, the diamond-shaped design of the outer edges of its eye suggests that it dates from the second half of the 14th century.

topor_dop1 (1).jpg

topor_dop2 (1).jpg

topor_dop4 (1).jpg

topor_dop3 (1).jpg

Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

View in the State Catalogue

Ax

Creation period

the 12th–14th centuries

Place of сreation

Rus

Dimensions

length — 19 cm; blade width — 12,3 cm; sleeve diameter — 3,7 cm

Technique

iron, forging

Collection

State Museum-Reserve “Kulikovo Field”

Exhibition

Rus and Horde: 14th Century Warfare

Point your smartphone camera to open in the app

Vkontakte Odnoklassniki Telegram

Copy linkCopied

Copy this code to embed this exhibit on your website

Add to widget

Title and authorExhibit ArticleAudio GuideAR Mode

Display both the exhibit and the article

Copy

Open in app

Bit of the 12th–14th centuries

Unknown author

Bit of the 12th–14th centuries

Unknown author

To see AR mode in action:

Install ARTEFACT app for

iOS

Android

Find and download the «Paintings in Details» exhibition
Push the «Augmented reality» button and point your phone's camera at the painting;
Watch what happens on your phone screen whilst you flip through the pictures.