II/73
OLD SAXON, FRISIAN, BAVARIAN, THURINGIAN, & EARLY-ANGLO-SAXON 250 AD - 804 AD
This list covers the Old Saxon, Frisian, Bavarian and Thuringian peoples of Germany until their absorption by the Franks in 804, 690, 788 & 531 respectively. It also covers the Thuringian and Saxon revolt against the Franks of 555; and the Anglo- Saxons in Britain from Hengist’s arrival in Kent circa 428 as leader of mercenaries employed by Vortigern until the accession of Edwin of Northumbria circa 617. All these were light-haired, bearded, wore long-sleeved shirt, trousers and sometimes cloak or cap; and fought with short spear and a moderate-sized round shield. Only nobles had proper swords, the remainder a large knife (or saex). References: Armies and Enemies of Imperial Rome P. Barker, Armies of the Dark Ages 1. Heath.