[Antoninus]

Here is a collection of Byzantine maces and war axes.

How interesting. Thanks for the link!

I have never encountered a mention of Roman war maces in the documentary sources before the 7th century. Of course, axes are attested in pre-Byzantine Roman sources, but not as standard military issue from what I've seen. Based on the site you linked to, I have to assume they were still uncommon before the 7th century, though not non-existent. They seemed to be much more prevalent among the Germanic auxiliaries which would make sense.

[TigersEye]

I like the diversity in style in their implements of destruction. There is no reason that art and war should be mutually exclusive endeavors. But then the world has lost a lot in aesthetic appreciation across the board not just in armor and weaponry.