Archaeologists have unearthed a rare octagonal-hilted sword from a Bronze Age grave in Germany. Remarkably, this sword was found in an exceptionally well-preserved state despite being buried for thousands of years.
According to Live Science, the sword was discovered in near-perfect condition, still gleaming when it was first uncovered. The Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection in Germany announced this significant find in a press release.
This discovery is particularly fascinating because the artifact is entirely made of bronze. It even has a slight greenish tint due to the high copper content.
Arkeonews reported that crafting octagonal-hilted swords was a complex process because the handle was cast onto the blade. Live Science added that only skilled blacksmiths could create such swords with high precision. The condition of the sword indicates it was made with high quality, but there are no signs it was used in combat. However, it can still be considered a legitimate combat weapon.
In fact, the front of the blade has a center of gravity that would provide balance for soldiers when striking. However, due to the lack of wear or clear cut marks, the sword is believed to have been mainly symbolic or used in rituals.
Currently, researchers have identified two regions in Germany capable of producing octagonal swords. One is in southern Germany, while the other is in northern Germany and Denmark. The exact region where this newly discovered sword was cast remains a mystery.
The octagonal sword was found in a grave containing the remains of a child, a woman, and a man in the town of Nördlingen, Bavaria. It is still unclear if these individuals were related. The burial site also included numerous weapons and grave goods. This rare artifact is dated to the late 1400s BCE. Discoveries of swords from this period and region are quite rare, as many Bronze Age graves have been looted over the millennia.
Matthias Pfeil, head of the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection and a participant in preserving the sword, explained that the burial site and the sword need further examination for more precise classification.
