gotic battle axe War axes were, together with hammers, the most important and effective weapons for fighting from horseback. Today it is thought that the sword was the only weapon and the main weapon in the Middle Ages, whereas the war axe had much more power and was less fragile. It is known that the axe could break through armour and even helmets. It could be used from horseback, in foot warfare and also thrown at a distance. Probably the best weapon of the entire Middle Ages. Numismata Munchen, DE, gekauft in 2015 From a collection of antiques that are over 30 years old, formerly an old Austrian collection.