Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder

Learn of the axe's role in human history, from prehistoric violence to war and executions. The axe, a transformative technology, has been used by humans for various purposes, including hunting, cutting down trees, and whittling tools. Over time, the axe has evolved to fit the needs of new agricultural, architectural, and social developments, leading to its lethal uses. The story of the axe, from its first murder nearly half a million years ago to its brutal use in warfare, execution methods, and the birth of modern pop culture, is told through the murders it has been employed in throughout history. This provides a critical examination of violence, how technology shapes human conflict, and how humanity fits even the most savage impulses into narratives of the past and present.