William the Conqueror: The Norman Duke who invaded England, killed their King and took the throne.
(William is seen leading his men at the Battle of Hastings. He decapitates a Saxon before running another through with his broadsword.)
vs.
Charlemagne: The Frankish King who stopped the Dark Ages and spreaded Christianity.
(Charlemagne leads his men against against the Saxons. He thrusts his Joyeuse into the gut of one before decapitating another.)
WHO IS DEADLIEST?
To find out, we've assembled a team of world class fighters to test history's most lethal weapons. Using 21st century science, we'll see what happens when two warriors go head to head.
No rules. No safety. No mercy. It's a duel to the death to decide who is...THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR!
Here in our elite fight club we have gathered doctors, scientists and weapons experts to test out the lethal arsenals wielded by each of our combatants to determine who would win a fight between medieval generals who never met in history.
William the Conqueror
Circa: 1066 A.D.
Age: 38
Height: 5'10''
Weight: 215 lbs.
Armor: Chainmail Hauberk, Steel Nasal Helmet, Kite Shield
Charlemagne
Circa: 800 A.D.
Age: 58
Height: 6'4''
Weight: 165 lbs.
Armor: Chainmail, Iron Spagenhelm, Heater Shield
''On this episode we have two colossal leaders from ancient Europe. You have William the Conqueror who invaded England killing their King and took the throne and on the other end you have the Frankish King Charlemagne who spreaded Christianity. It's going to be a great battle between two rulers of their respective kingdoms.'' Ex-special forces Barry Jacobsen started.
''I give the edge to Charlemagne, he was responsible for ending the Dark Ages and was the man responsible for spreading the Christian belief. I think he's going to win.'' Biomedical Engineer Geoff Desmoulin said.
''I'm giving this all to William the Conqueror. He is slightly farther in time meaning the metals in his weapons are somewhat more advanced and that fact that he invaded England and killed their King against a numerically superior force gives him my edge.'' Trauma Doctor Armand Dorian said.
The Duke of Normandy and a relative of Edward the Confessor, King of England. Following Edward's death in 1066, William believed he would inherit King Edward's throne, only to learn another Englishman, Harold Godwinson, was crowned. Feeling betrayed and determined to seize the crown, William led an armada of 600 ships and over 7,000 men across the English Channel and to Hastings, where he fought Godwinson's heavily fortified troops in one of the bloodiest battles in English history, slaying their king and most of the Anglo-Saxon ruling class before eventually taking the throne for himself.
"The Battle of Hastings is easily one of the most important battles in history. He conquered England which was something Hitler and Napoleon couldn't do.'' Barry explained.
The Duke of Normandy slaughtered the Anglo-Saxon forces with a brutal arsenal of weapons.
Short Range: Norman Broadsword
Mid-Range: Dane Axe
Long Range: Composite Crossbow
Special: Seax
How will the Duke of Normandy fair against his distant ancestor, the Frankish King Charlemagne.
Charlemagne or Charles the Great, was King of the Franks. He united a large part of Europe during the early Middle Ages and laid the foundations for modern France, Germany and the Low Countries. He took the Frankish throne in 768 and became King of Italy in 774. From 800, he became the first Holy Roman Emperor. Charlemagne was the oldest son of Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon. He became king in 768 following the death of his father, initially as co-ruler with his brother Carloman I. Carloman's sudden death in 771 in unexplained circumstances left Charlemagne as the undisputed ruler of the Frankish Kingdom.
''He was a man of great stature and his actions ended the Dark Ages and enabled him to become the first Holy Roman Emperor. William will truly meet anyone unlike this man.'' Barry concluded.
The Frankish King led his forces into battle with a lethal arsenal of weapons.
Short Range: Joyeuse
Mid-Range: Angon
Long Range: Francisca Axe
Special: Langseax
Both leaders slayed their enemies with deadly designed swords. Up first will be Charlemagne with his very own personal and famous sword.
"The Joyeuse is said to have mystical powers surrounding it, not to mention it was a powerful broadsword with a very ornate guard and hilt. It was 40 inches long and 3 pounds in weight." Dave explained.
Charlemagne expert Bernard Smith stands before a two gel torsos. One covered in William's chainmail hauberk.
''Okay Bernard, we'll give you 2 strikes each target to see what damage you can inflict on these two poor fellows and after you dealt with the first one we'll gauge this weapon's ability to pierce William's mail.'' Geoff explained
Bernard nodded and got into position. As Geoff gives the signal to begin Bernard thrusts his Joyeuse into the stomach of the first torso. He pulls it out and swings it and the torso's head is decapitated. Moving on to the second torso he thrusts the Joyeuse into the heart piercing clean through the hauberk. He follows up with a final overhead swing with the blade cutting the head in half in a bloody spectacle.
Doctor Dorian walks over to assess the damage.
''Your first target Bernard I don't even have to comment on this guy, the first thrust pierced his stomach and it protruded out from his back, this first strike won't kill him immediately and if he can get to the hospital he'll be okay. But you made sure he didn't and finished it up with a solid decapitation. Your armored target saw two strikes as welll with a thrust that easily pierced the mail and got his heart for a near instant kill. The second blow literally cut his head in half, quick trip to the morgue.''
''What do you think Jason?'' Barry turned to William the Conqueror expert Jason McNiel said.
''Here I have the Norman Broadsword, it is the straight-bladed killer that brought England to its knees. It was a double-edged steel blade that was used for both cutting and slashing, but could also be used for thrusting thanks to its sharpened point. It was essentially an improvement over the long swords used by the Normans' Viking ancestors. It was a 30 inch blade and weighed 3 pounds.''Jason explained
''Well we have the same exact test for you Jason. Whenever you're ready go ahead and get into position.'' Barry said.
Jason nods and gets into position. Geoff gives him the thumbs up to begin and he swings his sword downwards, the blade embedding itself in the unarmored torso's face. Freeing his blade he follows up with a swing at the rib cage with the blade again embedding into the torso's body. Pulling his sword out he walks over to the armored torso and brings his blade in a sideways swing that decapitates the target sending the head flying several feet. He ends it all with a mighty thrust into the chainmail armor with the blade protruding through to the other side.
With that Doctor Dorian walks over.
''That's some bloody carnage you got going on here Jason. You're first blow was easily the best one because you cut down onto the skull splitting it apart and slicing his brain in half for an instant kill. You followed it up with this swing to the ribs here and you managed to cut through the rib cage which would definitely hit him in the lung but it wouldn't kill him. The armored torso saw two strikes as well and the first one was a decapitation which I'm pretty sure we all know how that ends for the guy. The blow to the armor saw great penetration and it managed to skewer his heart and cut through his spine severing the spinal cord for instant death, nice job.''
''Your blade is nearly a foot shorter than my Joyeuse which means I can keep you farther away better and when I see the perfect opportunity I'll take your head off with one swing.'' Bernard says.
''But when you're loading up for a strike I can move in quickly and stab you through the heart.'' Jason replied.
Both leaders have unveiled their lethal close range weapons, which one do the panelists believe takes the edge?
''I'm going for the Joyeuse. I love the Norman broadsword but it's nearly a foot shorter than the Joyeuse which means William would have to close the distance to get Charlemagne.'' Geoff said.
''If William can't close the distance he's in trouble from the Joyeuse's farther reach and not to mention is can cause much more trauma on the body. Edge Joyeuse.'' Dorian seconded.
''I agree with you guys as well. For longer reach and striking with more power I give it all to the Joyeuse.'' Barry concluded.
For short range weapons the edge goes to Charlemagne for his Joyeuse.
Coming up, both warriors reveal to us their mid-range weapons and then later our battle between two of Europe's most famous leaders begin.
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Both warriors had different means of killing their enemies with two different mid-ranged weapons. Since we've already tested both the Dane axe before we will have it perform against Charlemagne's armor, likewise since Charlemagne's mid-ranged weapon the Angon is similar to the pilum we will do the same with it as well.
''We've seen both weapons already, now let's see how they fair against each other's armor.'' Geoff said.
Jason and Bernard stand before two torsos armored in their opponent's respective armor, helmet and shield. Each expert will have 3 blows to deal as much to each piece of armor as possible.
''Begin.'' Geoff says and Bernard hurls his angon at the chainmail hauberk piercing it cleanly just as Jason swings his Dane axe and hits the torso on the shoulder but not penetrating the armor. Bernard then takes his second angon and hurls it at William's shield piercing it slightly. Likewise, Jason swings his axe horizontally and strikes the the heater shield with enough force to leave a dent in it. Taking his axe Jason then brings it downwards striking the spagenhelm leaving a visible crack while Bernard hurls his third angon at the the nasal helmet but the weapon harmlessly bounces off.
Doctor Dorian then walks over to inspect the damage.
''Going over here first with Jason your first hit him square in his shoulder but did not pierce the armor, however with the amount of force you hit him with you definitely broke the bones in his shoulder leaving him open to other blows. The blow to the shield managed to crack it and judging by the readings we had, you definitely broke a bone in his arm and imagine what would happen if you continuously smashed your way through the shield. The last blow is the most impressive because you dented the iron spagenhelm inward and looking at it he suffered a depressed skull fracture which would kill him.'
''And for you Bernard, your first angon managed to pierce clean through the hauberk and you got him in the heart, good shot. The strike to the shield managed to slightly pierce it but it wasn't enough to get the guy behind and lastly your attack to the helmet is obvious, no penetration. You just dazed him.''
Both warriors have shown their mid-ranged weapons, which do our experts believe has the edge?
''I'm siding with the Dane axe. It hits with so much force and I don't think Charlemagne's shield or armor can take that multiple hits from it.'' Geoff started.
''That axe makes you look like a train ran you over when it's done with you, edge Dane axe.'' Dorian seconded.
''Agree 110% and since axes outperforms spears it gets the edge.'' Barry concluded.
In mid-range weapons, the edge goes to William the Conqueror for his Dane axe.
Coming up, both warriors unveil their signature long range weapons.
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Now the time has come for both warriors to showcase their long range weapons. Since we've already tested the francisca axe in 'Germanic Ghost Warrior vs. Hashashin.' To add to that since we've seen similar crossbows used by the knight the panelists also review the testing of the crossbow and after they soon come to an edge.
''Composite crossbow takes the edge since it can hit you farther out and it's much simpler to use. The Francisca axe requires you to be much closer and a lot more energy to use.'' Geoff said.
In long range weapons the edge goes to William the Conqueror for his composite crossbow.
Coming up, our warriors reveal their favorite sidearms and later Mack gauges the x-factors and our battle between two famous medieval generals begins.
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Both warriors now show their favorite sidearms. Up first will be Charlemagne with his langseax.
"The langseax was similar to a machete, only with a straight blade opposite of a curving back, giving it a sharp point. It was 24 inches long and 2 pounds in weight." Bernard explained brandishing his blade
''Okay Bernard, the same test we used for your blade will be implemented.'' Geoff said.
To test the damage of the langseax, another gel torso is fitted with William's armor and Bernard is given 15 seconds to deal damage.
Geoff gives a thumbs up signaling Bernard to begin and he brings his blade down onto the helmet denting it slightly. He follows up with with a stab in the armor cutting deep into it gushing blood. He then removes the helmet and swings vertically cutting the skull in half.
''Nice weapon Bernard, your first blow with the helmet did manage to dent it but it wasn't enough to cause bodily harm. You blow to the hauberk hit the kidney which wouldn't kill him but you finished him off by taking his helmet off and bringing the langseax down onto his head splitting it in half and caused this wonderful mess.'' Dorian said
Since William used a similar weapon to the langseax. The team inspects the seax William and his Normans would've used and compare both blades. Noticing the length difference between the two the edge is as unanimous as ever.
''Both are essentially the same type of weapon. However the langseax has much longer reach meaning more options and more blade to kill with. Edge langseax.'' Geoff started off.
''The langseax can easily deal with William's hauberk whereas I can see the shorter seax getting stuck in Charlemagne's armor. Edge langseax.'' Dorian seconded.
''Which one sends a more intimidating message? Barry said holding both blades against his face.
''Size does matter sometimes.'' Geoff said.
''Size is definitely intimidating.'' Barry finishes.
In special weapons the edge goes to Charlemagne for his langseax.
Moving onwards to armor, which one gains the edge?
''With the armor I have to call it even. Both bring chainmail to the game and the only thing I would give the edge to is William's helmet. The shields to me are even.'' Geoff started.
''I agree, both warriors set of armor will fall to almost every weapon the opposition is bringing. So I'm calling this even as well.'' Dorian seconded.
''Yeah, I agree too for the reasons you guys provided.'' Barry said.
In armor, our warriors are dead even.
Coming up, our panelists gauge the X-factors of two ruthless generals, it's a battle of the ages between William the Conqueror vs. Charlemagne.
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And now Barry will gauge the X-factors of each warrior.
''I first looked into strategy and I ended up giving it to both men since they were undefeated in battle. Both men have an 89 each.''
''Up next is physicality and this goes to William, he's younger, more fit and in his prime whereas Charlemagne was quite underweight for his size. William has an 89 to Charlemagne's 78.''
''For generalship I ended up giving it to Charlemagne. The man was born to expand his grandfather's empire which covers more land than what William had. Charlemagne has a 91 to William's 85.''
''Logistics also comes into play and Charlemagne had his entire kingdom with supplies ready where William took what he could with him to England which would've stretch his supply lines thinner. Charlemagne has an 88 to William's 72.''
''Endurance is also considered and again William is younger and in his prime where Charlemagne is older and underweight. William has an 86 to Charlemagne's 81.''
''Last but not least we have Audacity and I gave it to William. Who knew he would be able to beat the Saxons at Hastings and become the King? He has an 87 to Charlemagne's 86.''
Our panel is now done testing the results and the time has come to decide who will be the victor. To ensure the battle won't be decided by a single lucky blow, the battle will be simulated one thousand times in a duel to the death.
''So Barry, is the battle set for a one on one encounter or will you have them lead men into battle?'' Dorian asked
''I'll set this for a 5-on-5 battle. William will be accompanied by 4 Norman soldiers wearing the same armor as him and Charlemagne will have Frankish warriors wearing his armor as well.'' Barry responds
With that Barry hits the enter key.
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We are taken to a small forested area in Normandy, France. We see the Norman Duke William the Conqueror and 4 of his men are seen relaxing eating some recently killed deer.
They are to meet with the Frankish Emperor Charlemagne and hopes they will invade England together to destroy a mutual enemy.
William the Conqueror: 5
On a hill nearby, 5 men emerge with weapons in hand. among them is the Frankish King Charlemagne. He has decided to take William out and hopefully conquer England himself.
Charlemagne: 5
Charlemagne spots the Normans relaxing at the bottom of the hill, he orders his men to ready a volley of axes, after getting into their positions, Charlemagne gives the order and the Franks tosses a volley of axes.
Hearing the commotion caused by the Franks, the Normans look up at the hill and one Norman has the misfortune of having an axe buried in his face.
William the Conqueror: 4 - Charlemagne: 5
Noticing the Frankish Emperor among the men, William angrily shouts to his men to ready their composite crossbows. As the Franks go ready another volley, the Norman Duke gives his men the order to fire.
A volley of crossbow bolts fly towards the Franks. Most miss but one Frank is hit in his throat and he falls over choking while struggling to pull it out before he goes limp.
William the Conqueror: 4 - Charlemagne: 4
Both leaders draw their swords and order their men to charge. Both sides charge head on and eventually meet at the foot of the hill. One Norman duels with a Frank wielding an angon, drawing his Dane axe, he swings it horizontally prompting the Frank to jump back.
Reacting quickly, the Frank thrusts the angon into the Norman's stomach, the man gasping in pain and spitting blood before forcing him to the ground, twisting the angon violently before pulling it out and thrusting it into the Norman's face.
William the Conqueror: 3 - Charlemagne: 4
Elsewhere a Norman armed with a seax exchanges blows with a langseax wielding Frank. Both men exchange blow for blow before the Norman draws his broadsword and deflects a swing from the Frank.
Taking the opportunity the Norman swings low and slices the Frank's leg right off his body. The Frank falls to the ground in pain squirming, the Norman finishes him off by swinging his broadsword decapitating the man.
William the Conqueror: 3 - Charlemagne: 3
A towering shadow approaches the Norman and his victory is short lived when Charlemagne thrusts his joyeuse through his chest and heart, the Norman screaming in pain before going silent.
William the Conqueror: 2 - Charlemagne: 3
Meanwhile, William is seen with his last man in a continous struggle with the other Franks, a Frank goes for a low sweep with his langseax. Jumping to avoid the blow, William side steps and brings his broadsword down and slices deep into the Frank's side.
Knocking the man down to his knees, his remaining man takes his seax and slits the Frank's throat before kicking his body over.
William the Conqueror: 2 - Charlemagne: 2
The two Normans turn to face Charlemagne and his last Frankish warrior. Pointing to the Frank, William orders his last man to confront him before turning his sights to the Frankish Emperor.
The last Norman and Frank charge head on and meet in a clash of steel. The Frank goes in for an overhead chop only for the Norman to jump back and with lightning fast speed, the Norman thrusts his broadsword forward and skewers the Frank.
The blade going straight through the chainmail, kicking the Frank over, the Norman ends him with a swing of the broadsword cutting deep into his face.
William the Conqueror: 2 - Charlemagne: 1
Now turning to face Charlemagne, William and his last soldier charge towards him, turning to face the Norman soldier, Charlemagne swings his joyeuse and knocks the Norman's broadsword right out of his hands.
The Norman, taken by surprise can only look on as the Frankish Emperor decapitates him with the joyeuse.
William the Conqueror: 1 - Charlemagne: 1
Scoffing at his soldier's demise, William and Charlemagne stand and glare at each other. Both leaders then circle each other trying to find an opening, it would be Charlemagne who would attack first with a flurry of swings with his joyeuse.
William blocks the series of blows before he ends up cornered on a tree trunk, pinning his adversary to the tree, Charlemagne grabs William's sword wielding arm and goes to finish him off with a mighty swing of the joyeuse.
Struggling to get free, William quickly responds by headbutting his bigger foe and kicks him back to create some space. William then grabs the Frankish Emperor and slams him to the ground.
Taking his broadsword, William brings it down to impale Charlemagne but the Frankish Emperor rolls out the way and gets to his knees, he takes his joyeuse and thrusts it into William's side getting through the chainmail.
Screaming in pain, William blindly swings his broadsword and manages to strike Charlemagne on his helmet dazing him and knocking him back sideways. After creating some space between them, William and Charlemagne recover from the blows they sustained before, seeing shields strapped to the back of their dead men, they scoop them up before facing each other again.
They circle each other once more, this time William charges forth and Charlemagne only holds his ground, meeting William's tackle full force, the Frankish Emperor is knocked backwards and William swings his broadsword sideways.
Raising his heater shield to block the blow, Charlemagne shield bashes the broadsword right out of William's hand and tackles him full force knocking him to the ground on his back, now desperate, William can only block each swing Charlemagne unleashes.
However he spots a Dane axe next to one of his men's corpses. Turning his back into the direction of the axe, William slowly backs up while continoually blocking every swing Charlemagne delivers.
The second he comes within a few feet of the axe, William tosses his shield at the Frankish Emperor prompting him to block the flying kite shield.
William quickly scoops up the axe and brings it down, seeing the axe coming down to him, Charlemagne goes to lift his shield but the axe smashes against his spagenhelm. The blow dents the helmet and fractures Charlemagne's skull. His opponent reeling back in a daze, William puts Charlemagne on his knees and removes his helmet.
Nodding at the Frank, William then raises his axe high and brings it down, the head cuts deep into Charlemagne's skull, the blade going deep enough to nearly split his head in half.
William the Conqueror: 1 - Charlemagne: 0
Yanking the axe out, William kicks the corpse over and raises his axe into the air yelling in victory.
XXXXXX
Winner: William the Conqueror
William the Conqueror: 515
Norman Broadsword: 146
Dane Axe: 199
Composite Crossbow: 78
Seax: 92
Charlemagne: 485
Joyeuse: 175
Angon: 112
Francisca Axe: 21
Langseax: 177
X-Factors
Strategy: 89/Strategy: 89
Physicality: 89/Physicality: 78
Generalship: 85/Generalship: 91
Logistics: 72/Logistics: 88
Endurance: 86/Endurance: 81
Audacity: 87/Audacity: 86
Armor Failure Rate
Steel Nasal Helmet: 2% - Iron Spagenhelm: 10%
Chainmail Hauberk: 14% - Chainmail: 14%
Kite Shield: 3% - Heater Shield: 4%
Following a close battle between two medieval titans. William the Conqueror emerges victorious. His better physicality allowing him to fight longer and harder than the aging Charlemagne combined with his superior long range weapon. However Charlemagne did not let William off the hook easily as his Joyeuse and Langseax hacked through the Duke of Normandy keeping him closely behind.
''I'm not too surprised William won this. He was in his prime and his physicality and endurance allowed him to fight harder and longer than Charlemagne combined with his better mid and long range weapons proved valuable assets.'' Geoff commented.
''Charlemagne was no pushover. He proved to be better up close but he lacked a long range weapon that probably could've tipped the scale. Even if Charlemagne can close the distance he's facing a foe who is in his prime and is in better physical shape.'' Dorian added.
Congratulations to the Duke of Normandy, he earned this victory against a powerful foe.'' Barry concluded.
(William is seen looking on over the vast lands of his kingdom. He has successfully defended it against the Frankish emperor. He then turns and walks away. In his hand is the fallen Frank's Joyeuse.)
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Next time on Deadliest Warrior: Remastered. Two of the 20 century's most fanatical Asian armies go to war.
Imperial Japanese Army: The soldiers of the Empire of Japan who's loyalty to the Emperor and sheer fighting spirit made them the most dominant force in the Pacific.
vs.
Korean People's Army: Communist soldiers of Kim il-sung who sought to unite the Korean peninsula under communist rule.
Who is deadliest!?