Interesting post.
I am not sure if romantic notions really describe the serious study of weapons, as in my own perspective I view them rather clinically, and to me they are items of material culture rather than tools of death. While naturally this may sound naieve I can emphatically declare that it is not, and as I examine and study weapons I am looking at form, features, markings, and physical characteristics. I prefer not to imagine all the practical aspects of thier use unless absolutely necessary, and leave all the 'excitement' of martial detail to others who are intrigued by that sort of thing.
In archaeology however, one cannot expect not to uncover human remains, and in many instances of course, these have been deposited in less than natural circumstances, often reflecting violent end. Certainly many cases are the result of events other than combat or death by weapon, and the forensics involved are similarly investigated.
Richard Burton in the opening of his "Book of the Sword" said, " ...the history of the sword, is the history of mankind', an unfortunate truth, and there is of course a macabre intrigue in studying the grim results of mans darkest side. To see in actuality the actual dynamics of the battles typically portrayed heroically in movies or literature presents a surreal and somber dynamic that truly puts history in perspective, and strangely reminds us of our own mortality and hopefully, humanity.
For those reading who would like to pursue this topic further, among the fascinating resources out there, one well written study is " Anatomical Interpretations of Anglo-Saxon Weapon Injuries" by S.J. Wenham . This appears in "Weapons and Warfare in Anglo-Saxon England" (ed. Sonia Chadwicke Hawkes, Oxford, 1989, pp.123-139).
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