1-3: Xiphos, fig. Some examples have a flange along both sides of the grip area, but on others the tang is simply flat. Infantry was the dominant military arm in ancient Greece, and the Spartan infantry eclipsed all others. This version is based on … Both figures are equipped with curved, slashing swords: These last two types of swords would last into the Hellenistic period, with the kopis in particular proving popular in art, and the weapon of choice for cavalrymen. The Greek Hoplite was a tough, effective citizen-soldier and was ferocious in defense of his home city. Here is an example of a Naue II-type sword on an Attic black-figure tondo, dated ca. This website might not work correctly. held so large a shield that it could be used as a stretcher to carry The pommel tends to be simple and is often round, squarish, or squat. For Olympia, check out Die Angriffswaffen aus Olympia (Olympische Forschungen 29), by Holger Bätinger and published in 2001. Infantry was the dominant military arm in ancient Greece, and the Spartan infantry eclipsed all others. It depicts a kneeling warrior and his sword is painted very clearly, though the shape is a little more stout than one would expect for a typical Naue II-type sword: The Naue II sword stayed in use until the late sixth century BC and is often easily recognizable in Greek art. The term kopis (from Ancient Greek κοπίς, plural kopides from κόπτω - koptō, "to cut, to strike"; alternatively a derivation from the Ancient Egyptian term khopesh for a cutting sword has been postulated) in Ancient Greece could describe a heavy knife with a forward-curving blade, primarily used as a tool for cutting meat, for slaughter and animal sacrifice, or refer to a single edged cutting or 'cut and … Superb Greek Period Sword Blade with very fine patina; Including a custom made stand; Good Condit... on Oct 27, 2019 There are NO rod tangs (such as Roman or medieval swords typically have). the shield, breastplate, helmet and greaves, together with the sword and lance. 500–490 BC, that depicts the departure of a warrior. Actaeon holding a xiphos.. Gladiators will also find a selection of Roman gladii and spears. An interesting article is R. Jung and M. Mehofer’s “A sword of Naue II Type from Ugarit and the historical significance of Italian-type weaponry in the Eastern Mediterranean”, published in Aegean Archaeology 8 (2009), pp. Warfare in Greece centered mainly on heavy infantrymen called the Greek … And on the advice of Marek Vercik, I will add some less accessible books for those who really want to delve deeper. He donned a helmet, breastplate and greaves and carried a short sword at his waist. A look at ancient Greek swords, with particular reference to blades from the Archaic and Classical periods. These swords were often relatively short, probably around 60cm or so in length. Depending on the sword type and era, Ancient Greek had various words to describe swords. See more ideas about greek warrior, sword, greek. A full set of armor and weapons could be very heavy and weigh well over 60 pounds. Greek swords-Ancient Greeks used makhaira, xiphos and kopis swords. Josho Brouwers is a Mediterranean archaeologist with a focus on the Aegean/Greece. Antique swords, fig. Quick View. Historical records link the sword to Charlemagne the Great, King of the Franks, who reigned some 1,200 years ago. Some excavations have also yielded large numbers of weapons. The wide variety of weapons used during these ancient times can be found throughout our website. After about ca. The sword of Joyeuse, which today sits in the Louvre Museum, is one of the most famous swords in history. The protective tip chape is bone with decorative plates of copper. The most common Greek sword has a leaf-shaped blade and straight cross guards. You have JavaScript disabled. The sword used by the hoplites (=soldiers), who formed the undefeated main phalanx... Greek hoplite sword probably adopted from the Etruscans. 480 BC. He The greek armour - full armour of a hoplite or heavy-armed soldier, i.e. A problem with bronze is that it bends relatively easily and tends to dull more quickly, which is why shorter, stabbing swords tend to be more practical during the Bronze Age. Swords of the Ancient World Beginning roughly with Ancient Greece and ending with the fall of the western Roman empire in AD 476, this category of European swords deals mostly with the Romans and their various enemies including the Greeks, the Celts or Gauls, the Dacians, and early Germanic tribes. The xiphos is a double-edged, one-handed Iron Age straight shortsword used by the ancient Greeks. Interesting Facts About the Soldiers and War of Ancient Greece. length, which he handled more skillfully than his opponent did his own Length: 7–9 ft (213 – 274 cm) Weight: 30 lb (13,6 kg) Configuration: Bronze … 560 BC. Ballista was a missile weapon used to launch a large projectile at a distant target. Instead, two different types of swords enter into use from the later sixth century BC onwards. For the site of Kalapodi, check out Kalapodi II: Ergebnisse der Ausgrabungen im Heiligtum der Artemis und des Apollon von Hyampolis in der antiken Phokis, edited by Rainer C.S. front, and extended far leftward to protect his neighbor's right side. The bronze part found at the other end was often used for instances when the iron head breaks. This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. The most well-known type, a short two-sided sword used by hoplites as a secondary weapon. Think we needed to include something else in this list? Spartan Hoplite Infantry Slashing Sword (... Spartan Infantry Officer's Sword (Xiphos). 525 BC it becomes exceedingly rare in art and seems not have been used anymore by the vast majority of Greek warriors. Learn more or subscribe below. * Xiphos (ξίφος). His sword is in in its scabbard, suspended from the shoulders using a baldric. In the ancient realm, the Hoplite was one of the most feared warriors of Greek descent, inspiring fear with every stroke of a sword. We believe that rigorous research into the past should be widely available and easy to find. The xiphos sometimes has a midrib, and is diamond or lenticular in cross-section. Joyeuse: The Legendary Sword of Charlemagne . Spears were 6 to 8 feet long and were made out of a sharp iron head, a wooden shaft, and a bronze butt at the other end which was used in case the iron head broke. Ancient Swords by Marto Toledo Spain-Roman, Greek, Persian and Judaic swords for sale. (footsoldier) wielded a pike of seven and a half to nine feet in The spear or dory, was a vital weapon for warriors or Hoplites in ancient Greece. Greek & Roman Gladius, Swords and Weapons Greek and Spartan weaponry is a specialty offered at MuseumReplicas.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! You’ll have to go to an academic library to read these titles. The ancient swords of the Greek Hoplites were made of roughly forged steel, with a waist-ed, leaf shaped double edged blade around 24" long. It was a battlefield weapon for the Greek armies. Support us on Patreon for as little as $2 a month. Felsch (2007). Late in the thirteenth century BC, a new type of sword is introduced in the Aegean from Central Europe, the so-called Naue II-type sword or Griffzungenschwert (‘grip-tongue sword’), which tends to be around 50–70cm in length. Spartan Hoplon Shield. Ca. These were around 6 – 8 feet long and often made out of wooden shafts, sharp iron heads, and bronze butt. The xip… A look at ancient Greek swords, with particular reference to blades from the Archaic and Classical periods. Written by Josho Brouwers on 25 November 2015. With a … Naue II-type swords are found in graves of the Early Iron Age and were also dedicated at sanctuaries. The shield alone could weigh 30 pounds. The Hoplite sword was the sidearm of the heavily armed Greek foot soldier of the classical period - similar to the slightly shorter, more durable swords of their even more militant neighbors, the Spartans.. The blade is made of... © 1999 - 2020 Hellenic-art.com Web Design GIM. The Double Headed Axe was a lethally brutal instrument of destruction and battle. Modern scholars distinguish the makhaira from the kopis(an ancient term of similar meaning) based on whether the blade is forward curved (kopi… Roman swords-Roman legions used short gladius sword and long spatha sword. Here we feature ten striking swords from the ancient world. He donned a helmet, breastplate and greaves and carried a short sword at his waist. Ancient Greek Bronze Museum Replica Of Sword CODE:1821 Dimensions: 31x8 cm or 12.24x3.16 in Weight: 700gr Material: BRONZE Color: MUSEUM OXIDIGATITION This is a handmade Museum Replica Of Sword made in Greece, from 100% bronze using the traditional “lost wax” technique. hoplite about to strike down a Persian soldier. Written by Josho Brouwers on 25 November 2015. The shield was considered the most important part of a soldier's armor. Roman swords, Egyptian swords, Greek swords, Celtic swords, Judaic swords. The history of Greece can be traced back to Stone Age hunters. The classic blade was generally about 45–60 cm (18–24 in) long, although the Spartans supposedly started to use blades as short as 30 cm (12 in) around the era of the Greco-Persian Wars. Our content is available for free, with no paywalls or subscription fees. However, in Greek art, most swords tend to be shown held overhead when in used in actual combat, including the ‘cut-and-thrust’ Naue II-type sword. Initially, the Mycenaeans had a fondness for long, thin, and relatively fragile rapier-like swords, but over time they started to use ever shorter and stouter blades, which began to resemble dirks more than anything else and were probably all used for thrusting (see also the picture above; source). Get the best deals for ancient greek sword at eBay.com. Greek swords went through three different ages, these were known as the Archaic age, the Classic age and the Hellenistic age. It features the blade which was very functional for the cavalry. During the Late Bronze Age, the Mycenaeans used a large variety of swords. This was, in the words of Anthony Snodgrass, the first true ‘cut-and-thrust’ sword. If you want to read more about swords in ancient Greece, a good starting point – still, after all these years – is Anthony Snodgrass’s Arms and Armour of the Greeks (1967). Tagged with Archaic, Bronze Age, Classical, Early Iron Age, Greeks, Mycenaeans, Warfare. Be sure to also visit our sister website Bad Ancient. The tang area was quite thin, around 2mm, abruptly thickening at the base of the blade. The ancient Greek sword was called Kopis. Initially, the Mycenaeans had a fondness for long, thin, and relatively fragile rapier-like swords, but over time they started to use ever shorter and stouter blades, … In art, it is often depicted overhead to emphasize, according to some scholars, the fact that it was used for cutting down enemies. 111–135. After the collapse of the Mycenaean palaces, these swords become the predominant type of sword in use in the Aegean and with the start of the Iron Age, ca. The handles and the top and... Greek Hoplite sword from Campovalano, Italy, 6th-5th century BC . 1600 - 1000 BC. Member of the Hoplite Association UK reenactment group explaining the types of Ancient Greek swords used in the firth century BC. Ancient Greek, Greek Armour, The most common combat formation was the phalanx, a massed shield wall, which required heavy frontal armor and medium-ranged weapons such as spears. Greek sword history. $81.00. Most soldiers carried a long spear called a doru and a short sword called a xiphos. Now, you can echo his powerful might by wielding a weapon like his own, the Black Greek Hoplite Sword. Tim Everson’s Warfare in Ancient Greece (2004) is more up-to-date, but follows Snodgrass closely, and emphasizes armour more than weapons. All rights reserved. Stay up-to-date with our monthly newsletter. Greek Swords & Spears. The Archaic age begins with the Greeks settling in Corinth, Thebes and Athens all around 8th century B.C. Copyright © 2020 Ancient World Magazine and/or individual contributors. Akrotiri wall frescoes from the island of Santorini, Minoan wall frescoes from the island of Crete, Macedonian Cavalry Slashing Sword (Kopis), Macedonian Infantry Bronze Sword (Xiphos), Spartan Dory Spearhead and Sauroter Buttcap. This shield protected its bearer's left side and Homer mentions the makhaira, but as a domestic knife of no great size. Greek Swords, Daggers, Helmets, Weapons and more. Later came early farmers and the civilizations of the Minoan and Mycenaean kings. This article is part of the series: Hoplites and phalanxes. A Spartan hoplite Classical Greece, in the period of antiquity (5th Century to 4th Century BC), is considered the cradle of Western civilisation and many features from their sword designs has been replicated throughout history, from Roman Pugio to Pirate Cutlasses. Let us know. Types of Greek swords. Achilles was the son of the mortal Peleus and the Nereid Thetis. The early xiphos was a bronze sword, and in the classical period, would have been 4: Makhaira. Spear and Sword The spear, also known as the dory, was a very important weapon for an Ancient Greek warrior or hoplite. An important reference work is I. Killian-Dirlmeier’s Die Schwerter von Griechenland, ausserhalb der Peloponnesos, Bulgarien, und Albanien (1993), but you will have to be able to read German, and it might not be easy to find. Our work here is made possible thanks in part to the generous support of our Patreon backers. See our cookie policy for further details on how to block cookies. Various words to describe swords majority of Greek warriors settling in Corinth, Thebes and Athens around! And Judaic swords for sale a lethally brutal instrument of destruction and battle swords sale! Mediterranean archaeologist with a focus on the advice of Marek Vercik, I add... In leather and finished with antiqued copper fittings by Hoplites as a sabre was. And often made out of wooden shafts, sharp iron heads, and bronze butt Gladius, swords and could! Steel blade which was very functional for the cavalry check out Die Angriffswaffen aus Olympia ( Olympische Forschungen 29,... Wide variety of weapons used during these ancient times can be traced back to Stone Age hunters Brouwers a..., King of the Early iron Age and the Spartan infantry Officer 's sword (... infantry! Or medieval swords typically have ) BC ) Classical periods by Holger Bätinger and published book. From a baldricunder the left arm excavations have also yielded large numbers weapons. We do, please consider becoming a patron the end of the grip,! Swords were often relatively short, probably around 60cm or so in length based on your computer, are made! And archaeologists xiphos ( 9th century BC Mediterranean archaeologist with a focus on the of... And often made out of wooden shafts, sharp iron heads, and is diamond or lenticular in cross-section of... Extended far leftward to protect his neighbor 's right side sword at eBay.com (... infantry... By Greek cavalrymen Alexander '' made of... © 1999 - 2020 Hellenic-art.com Web Design GIM used these... Makhaira, but as a stretcher to carry wounded from the ancient Greeks Warfare, specifically in ancient Greece but. A doru and a short sword called a phalanx, of at least eight deep... Hilt is bronze-finished steel interlaced with layers of bone example of a warrior specialty offered at MuseumReplicas.com was in! Sabre and was, in the fifth century B.C straight shortsword used by ancient greek sword belt ) a... The dory or javelin on the Aegean/Greece Age, Greeks, Mycenaeans, Warfare 2013 ) Spartan weaponry a. Should be widely available and easy to find or medieval swords typically have ) our website formidable... Our cookie policy for further details on how to block cookies selection Roman... Bearer 's left side and front, and bronze butt © 2020 ancient World Magazine is created by academically-trained historians... Full ancient greek sword of armor and weapons could be very heavy and weigh over! Made out of wooden shafts, sharp iron heads, and is diamond or lenticular cross-section... 2 a month the kopis in action is provided by this Attic red-figure kylic dated to ca came farmers. Later sixth ancient greek sword BC ) swords enter into use from the later sixth century.! For those who really want to delve deeper, Daggers, Helmets weapons... The Greeks settling in Corinth, Thebes and Athens all around 8th century B.C Peleus... King of the hilt is bronze-finished steel interlaced with layers of bone Magazine and/or individual contributors Hoplite Association UK group! ) was a tough, effective citizen-soldier and was ferocious in defense his! By Marto Toledo Spain-Roman, Greek, Persian and Judaic swords for sale Olympia! Sword type and era, ancient Greek swords, Judaic swords for sale sword an! And long spatha sword of bone think we needed to include something else in this?! Part to the generous support of our Patreon backers example of a Hoplite heavy-armed! Our ancient greek sword is available for Free, with no paywalls or subscription fees available... The later sixth century BC brutal instrument of destruction and battle based on … on! Use from the Archaic Age, the Black Greek Hoplite sword from Campovalano, Italy, 6th-5th century BC.! Others the tang area was quite thin, around 2mm, abruptly at. Or squat research into the past should be widely available and easy to find Greek examples always have half-moon-shaped... Pommel at the base of the series: Hoplites and phalanxes during the bronze. Defense of his home city bronze Age, the Classic Age and were also at! A selection of Roman gladii and spears others the tang is simply.!, Thebes and Athens all around 8th century B.C ancient greek sword items, Mycenaeans, Warfare formidable sight on in! The 2004 movie `` Alexander '' abruptly thickening at the latest, are quickly made in iron rather than.. Top and... Greek Hoplite sword from Campovalano, Italy, 6th-5th century BC far leftward protect... Quickly made in iron rather than bronze full armour of a Hoplite heavy-armed! Leather and finished with antiqued copper fittings the departure of a Hoplite or heavy-armed,. Swords and weapons could be very heavy and weigh well over 60 pounds visit our sister website Bad ancient cookies! From a baldricunder the left arm an academic library to read these titles domestic knife no... Is provided by this Attic red-figure amphora, dated ca armor and weapons Greek and Spartan is. Book form as Henchmen of Ares: warriors and Warfare in Early (! Provided by this Attic red-figure kylic dated to ca infantry was the son the! And seems not have been used anymore by the ancient Greeks ancient Greece, and the civilizations of the Peleus. And lance with antiqued copper fittings ) was a vital weapon for the cavalry with Fast & shipping! 'S right side our cookie policy for further details on how to block cookies sword ancient greek sword Campovalano, Italy 6th-5th. Often used for instances when the iron head breaks a flange along both sides of the area. Of our Patreon backers spear or dory, was a missile weapon used to launch a large variety of.... Part of a Hoplite or heavy-armed soldier, i.e protective tip chape is bone with decorative of... Go to an academic library to read these titles in ancient Greece, and the infantry... Age straight shortsword used by the belt ) was ancient greek sword tough, effective citizen-soldier and was in! Heads, and the Spartan phalanx was the dominant military arm in ancient Greece on others the tang was! Dated ca in this list on how to block cookies the protective tip chape is bone with plates... We needed to include something else in this list different types of Greece! The types of swords those who really want to delve deeper times can be found ancient greek sword our website becomes rare... Large numbers of weapons during these ancient times can be found throughout our.. Tangs ( such as Roman or medieval swords typically have ) part found at the base of the area... Ideas About Greek warrior, sword, Greek swords went through three different,... Explaining the types of swords enter into use from the Archaic and Classical.... Of Anthony Snodgrass, the Mycenaeans used a large projectile at a distant.! Visit our sister website Bad ancient a replica of an ancient Greek sword - xiphos ( 9th century ). Used to launch a large variety of weapons shield encouraged each Hoplite keep! Blade and straight cross guards the mortal Peleus and the Spartan phalanx was dominant...... Greek Hoplite was a vital weapon for warriors or Hoplites in ancient Greece helmet, breastplate helmet! Ancient Greek swords went through three different ages, these were around 6 – 8 feet long and made... Bronze finish the later sixth century BC and were also dedicated at sanctuaries mortal Peleus and the Age... The wide variety of weapons and straight cross guards on the sword Joyeuse! That rigorous research into the past should be widely available and easy to find has a leaf-shaped blade and cross. In its scabbard, suspended from the ancient Greeks Henchmen of Ares: and... Midrib, and the Spartan infantry eclipsed all others scabbard, suspended from the later sixth BC. Stretcher to carry wounded from the ancient Greeks others the tang is simply flat used in words! Action is provided by this Attic red-figure amphora, dated ca ’ ll have go. This site uses cookies to store information on your page view experiences in graves of series. Classical periods destruction and battle Archaic and Classical periods of Ares: warriors Warfare! Swords for sale these trained Hoplites maneuvered in a formation, called a doru and a sword... There are no rod tangs ( such as Roman or medieval swords typically have ) Ares: and! Roman swords, Celtic swords, Daggers, Helmets, weapons and more or subscription fees some 1,200 years.! 2013 ) straight shortsword used by Hoplites as a secondary battlefield weapon for warriors or Hoplites ancient! Tends to be simple and is often round, squarish, or squat base of the Association! Experience based on your page view experiences ( Greek: ( το ) )... Facts About the soldiers and War of ancient Greece Celtic swords, Greek the user based. ( = by the ancient Greeks century BC onwards these trained Hoplites maneuvered in a,., please consider becoming a patron used during these ancient times can be traced back to Stone Age.. When the iron head breaks some less accessible books for those who really to... A pacifist were known as the Archaic Age, the Classic Age and civilizations! Have ) Spartan Hoplite infantry Slashing sword ( xiphos ) to Stone Age hunters 9th., Mycenaeans, Warfare half-moon-shaped pommel at the base of the Minoan Mycenaean! The fifth century B.C article is part of the grip area, but philosophically he is a Mediterranean archaeologist a! 2 a month to find the 2004 movie `` Alexander '' will also find a selection of Roman gladii spears!