The Dublin Archaelogical Museum

If I could go back to Dublin and spend one entire day in a place, it would be at the Dublin Archaelogical Museum. This was a prime research spot for my books because I could go and see the swords used in the 12th century. I could see the cups and bowls they used, inspect the jewelry worn by the women, and see the mummified remains of a Viking. It was truly amazing.

In the book I just finished, Her Irish Lover, my hero’s hands were crushed by the enemy and the heroine helps him heal until he can wield a sword again. One critical bit of information I needed to know was how large the swords were and whether they were one-handed swords or two-handed swords, like a Scottish claymore. I think it’s pretty evident from the examples here, that most were one-handed swords. The hilts were inlaid with ivory and wood. They were designed for cutting with the edge, not stabbing with the point.

Shields were also used in battle, and here shown below, on the right side of the photograph, is an example of the type of metalworking you might see upon a wooden shield.

Another item I found interesting was the drinking vessels. Here, on the left are glazed wine jugs.

In this photograph(to the right side next to the metal bowls are wooden drinking vessels, made from alder and yew woods. These were designed for groups, and would be passed around the table to the guests. In the same photograph on the top left, you’ll see glass beakers. Yes, glass. Pretty amazing, I think.

The last photograph I want to share today is of the lamps used inside the homes. These small lamps were made of stone filled with oil and had wicks. They could be burned at night to illuminate the huts. The metal “lamps” were used to hold more expensive candles. They carved the lamps in different shapes such as a lion or a woman. In the same photograph at the bottom are examples of iron knives. They were frequently used at meals, spoons being used less often. Forks did not come into being until the end of the medieval period.

If you could see any artifact from the medieval period, which would you enjoy seeing most?