Showing posts with label Battle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Battle. Show all posts

Monday, January 18, 2010

Vikings vs. Spartans




This is my first post so lets start off with a real bang! Both sides have good arguments but lets break it down to really get some truth about who is superior. The Vikings are known as Barbarians who were big, strong savages. There weapons were spears, knives, axes, bows&arrows, and shields. Vikings saw hand to hand combat to be far stronger than any other means during battle. Vikings used horses very little in battle but instead they used them mostly for means of travel along with their great ships by sea. It was preferred to fight on foot during war because of their weapon skills and strength. Vikings did wear armor but the better constructed armor/weapons were given and used by leaders or others within the village who were wealthier. They didn't appear to be overly intelligent or fight with a lot of smarts. Most Vikings would fight with simple tactics which consisted of a line of shields in the front and spears as support in the rear. They would throw the spears over their front lines and use the shields in front as cover. Vikings were extremely strong in most cases so they could heave spears long distances and hit targets accurately. The biggest battle tactic they used was known as "svinfylking" (boar formation) which they used to overpower and break through enemy lines. They believed that if you eliminate the enemies leader the army below him will fall. The Vikings fought to provide for the village and to display strength. Of course there is much more to the Vikings warfare, but I'm just highlighting the main things necessary for this discussion.




Now for the Spartans, they were known for being Warriors. They lived a life of combat and ideals which pushed them to be 2nd only to the gods who they praised. The Spartans were all trained to be warriors no matter their size or stature. All citizens including women and children were taught to fight and would protect the city at all costs. There weapons were shields, spears, and swords. Spartans fought with great technique and skill. They would use wit to outsmart their opponent despite whatever challenge they faced. On foot and by land was the main way that all Spartans fought because they only used ships to travel and had a very weak navy. The Spartans were known for their Phalanx Formation which was a group of soldiers combining shields and spears to battle. Spartans would train constantly and use the discipline they were raised upon to beat most opponents. They wore armor made of bronze usually placed on the abdomen, legs, arms, and head. Not all members of the city could afford the armor so they would make cheaper armor (not as protective) so most citizens could obtain it. Spartans defended their settlements with their life (including their women) and accepted no defeat. They were known for their loyalty and uniforms which they wore in battle (Red Tunic and Shiny Armor). Again there is so much that can be said about the Spartans and their lifestyle, but I am keeping it brief to only give information necessary for this discussion.


Now the question that lies in front of us is who is superior? Not who is superior in their way of life or who won more battles in history, but Who would win in an all out battle...Vikings or Spartans? Don't just think about the myths or movies you have seen but really allow yourself to make a smart decision on who would win in a WAR? Of course they were alive at different times and lived in different areas in the world, but all I am here to find out is who would still be standing if these two civilizations were to Battle to the Death?


To be completely honest I can't even say who would win because it would be such a good fight. I think Vikings are powerful and crazy, but I love the Spartans. It such a hard decision because they both bring so much to the table when it comes down to overall warfare. Definitely interested in what everyone has to say on this discussion. Help me pick a the superior side in this Epic Battle!