This set represents Irish warriors from the 4th to 11th centuries, a dynamic period of Dark Age warfare. Constantly in conflict, Irish warbands fought each other and raided across the sea against the Late Romans, Welsh, Picts and Romano-British. Later they faced Saxons and Vikings, while also settling in parts of Wales and Scotland. Irish warriors were typically lightly armed, using spears, javelins, swords and war clubs. Warfare focused on fast raids, ambushes and skirmishing, though they could also form close order shield walls when needed. A small elite of armoured nobles and chieftains, equipped with mail and helmets, led these warbands. The Irish were known to use dogs in hunting and warfare, able to chase down enemies and drag a man from his horse or chariot.