Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered 3,200-year-old ruins of military barracks containing numerous artifacts. Among them was a sword inscribed with the name of Pharaoh Ramses II the Great.
The blade, made of bronze, was found in a small armory, indicating its possible use in combat. However, it is not ruled out that it could have been a ceremonial piece, given doubts about whether the ruler himself left it. It is likely that the sword was intended for a high-ranking officer in the Egyptian army.
Scarabs unearthed at the archaeological site.
The ancient Egyptians placed these barracks along a military road in the northwestern Nile Delta, allowing troops to counter enemies arriving from the western desert or across the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s an important discovery for understanding the strategy and especially the logistics of Egypt’s military under Ramesses II. Other military sites built by Ramesses II, such as forts, have been found in northwest Egypt, but they are not as well preserved as this one.
Peter Brand, Professor of History at the University of Memphis (USA)
Archaeologists also uncovered granaries, bread ovens, ceramic remnants of dishes with animal bones, and numerous cow burials. In Ancient Egypt, these animals were revered as celestial deities and symbolized strength, abundance, and prosperity. However, in this case, they were used for food.
Their bones were found near kitchen utensils, confirming butchery and preservation through drying.
Additionally, two limestone blocks with inscriptions were discovered: one with hieroglyphs mentioning Ramses II and the other with the name of an official named Bay.
Archaeologists found two limestone blocks. Image: Courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Ramses II is considered one of the most outstanding pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, known for his successful military campaigns and numerous construction projects, including the famous temple at Abu Simbel. He reigned for about 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE.
Like a needle in a haystack. Just a few hundred meters from the Berliner Fernsehturm, in the heart of the German capital, archaeologists made a surprising discovery a few days ago.
In the attic of a building in the Molkenmarkt district, an ancient Japanese sword was resting. The sword, in an advanced state of deterioration, is believed to be about four hundred years old, manufactured during the 17th century.
A Diplomatic Gift Brought Back from Japan in the 19th Century
On August 22, the Museum of Prehistory and Early History in Berlin published a statement relaying the scientists’ observations. Despite the artifact’s deterioration, researchers studying the sword managed to identify decorative copper elements adorning the hilt, which is composed of wood, bound with leather straps and fabric.
Several delicate engravings are spread across the hilt, notably chrysanthemums and waterways, often represented in the Edo culture, which extended from 1603 to 1868. For archaeologists, there is no doubt that the weapon would indeed have been crafted during this period.
The sword, rather short, is a wakizashi. This type of weapon was mainly used by certain samurai in feudal Japan, considered a traditional sword, serving as a backup to a primary weapon. The blade could be even older according to academics, having been forged a hundred years earlier, during the 16th century.
The presence of such an object in an attic bombed during World War II raises questions. Archaeologists have determined that a diplomatic mission to Japan during the 19th century would have allowed the wakizashi to be brought back to Europe. LiveScience reports that two missions named Takenouchi and Iwakura occasioned meetings between German and Japanese officials in the 1860s. It seems that despite its insular status, Japan was already maintaining relations with allied countries nearly 200 years ago.
Fragarach is a legendary sword from Irish mythology. The sword is known by many names such as “The Whisperer”, “The Answerer”, or “The Retaliator.” Legend has it that the gods crafted it for Nuada, the first high king. The sword was meant to be wielded atop the Lia Fail (“Stone of Destiny”), and as it was, the Fragarach whispered to the Lia Fail’s roars. Fragarach got its name “Answerer” since it was believed that with it at their neck, no one could move or lie. This sword could summon the wind at will and pierce through any man-made barrier, leaving injuries from which no man could ever fully heal.
According to Irish mythology, Nuada was the Tuatha Dé Danann‘s—an Irish supernatural race—first king. His epithet Airgetlám meant “silver hand/arm”. The most famous story about Nuada is the one in which Dian Cécht—an Irish god of healing—mysteriously heals him after he loses an arm in battle, along with his kingdom.
When Nuada lost an arm in the First Battle of Mag Tuired, this rendered him unfit for the position of high king. Nuada appointed the skillful warrior Lugh, also a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, as the de facto monarch in preparation for the Second Battle of Mag Tuired.
A warrior, deity, and king of the Otherworld in Irish mythology, the sea god Manannan Mac Lir gave Lugh a spear and a sling, which he used to vanquish the Fomorians and their ruler Balor. Depicted as sea raiders and giants, Fomorians were direct opponents to the Tuatha Dé Danann since they were also a supernatural race, although certain members of both species had children.
At some point during the fight, Nuada bestowed his sword Fragarach on Lugh. It is unclear from the poetry and the Lebor Gabála Érenn (a collection of Irish poems) whether Lugh used the Fragarach throughout the conflict. Lugh was allegedly the adoptive son of Manannan.
The Importance of the Fragarach
Forged by the gods, Fragarach was one of the Four Treasures of Ireland. They were supposedly transported to Ireland by Tuatha Dé Danann from the four island towns of Murias, Falias, Gorias, and Findias. These four treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann are magical artifacts mentioned in the mythological cycle of early Irish literature.
The sword was eventually entrusted to the Ulster hero, Cú Chulainn, by Lugh himself. Later, it ends up in the hands of Conn of the Hundred Battles, the semi-legendary High King of Ireland. Among the mortals adored by the Irish, Cú Chulainn was a hero and a fighter whose stories (including the Fragarach) were revived by the Gaelic poet Sechan Torpeist in the seventh century.
Also known as the “Sun God,” Lugh possessed many magical items like Fragarach according to Middle Irish redactions of the Lebor Gabála. Along with the sword, the sea deity Manannán bestows upon him things like the horse Enbarr, the boat Scuabtuinne (“Wave-Sweeper”), his armor, and his helmet in the late narrative Fate of the Children of Tuireann.
According to one theory, looking at the way the name “Fragnarach” reads, it could potentially allude to the Norse apocalypse, Ragnarök.
What is Lia Fail?
The Fragarach was meant to be wielded atop the Lia Fail (“Stone of Destiny”), and as it was, the Lia Fail roared, and the sword whispered. Lia Fáil is a relic in Irish mythology, located in County Meath on the Hill of Tara. This stone was used to crown the King of Tara, who was also known as the High King of Ireland. When a monarch who was determined by fate sat upon the stone, it was said to sing or roar.
According to legend, the stone would howl with delight whenever the legitimate High King of Ireland placed his foot on it, confirming the stone’s magical properties. Up until Muirchertach mac Muiredaig, who reigned circa 500 AD, the stone was used to crown every king of Ireland. The ancient High Kings of Ireland’s coronation ceremony relied heavily on the stone.
Characteristics of Fragarach
The Fragarach is said to have several powers:
Once drawn, it had the power to drain the strength of all those against whom it was raised, leaving them weak and vulnerable.
When given a mental command, it moved from the scabbard to the user’s hand on its own.
When pointed at someone’s throat, they would be compelled to speak the truth (hence the sword’s name “She Who Gives Answers”).
Capable of penetrating any type of armor with a single blow.
Fragarach has the ability to calm the winds according to the user’s desire.
It also seems that the sword had a curse or poison that would cause its victims to die quickly after being even slightly injured.
Modern References to the Fragarach
In Literary
In “The Riders of the Sidhe” by Kenneth C. Flint, Manannán Mac Lir wields the sword Fragarach, acknowledging with Lugh Lamhfada that he took it “on loan” and awaits its rightful owner faithfully.
Fragarach is featured in the science fiction series “The Keltiad” by Patricia Kennealy Morrison, wielded by several main characters.
In the visual novel “Fate/hollow ataraxia” and the manga “Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya,” the sword is wielded by the character Bazett Fraga McRemitz. If the opponent starts their attack, the sword turns back time, and the enemy is killed before the attack.
In the novel “A Wizard Abroad” by Diane Duane (part of the Young Wizards series), Annie Callahan uses Fragarach during the reconstruction of the Second Battle of Magh Tuireadh. In addition to its common use, Fragarach can open gateways to alternate realities, where the Fomorians and the Tuatha De Danaan reside.
The sword is also featured in “The Iron Druid Chronicles” series.
In Games
In Dungeons and Dragons, specifically in the module “The Temple of Elemental Evil,” Fragarach appears as a sword that never misses any ranged attack and responds to each blow with a counter of its own. It reappears in the 4th edition as a sword crafted by Thrombolg, a powerful Fomorian lord, for the purpose of killing.
In the game Mabinogi, Fragarach is a primary weapon used by Lugh Lamhfada and Morgant. It has three different perspectives.
In the game Vindictus, a prequel to Mabinogi, the sword was initially wielded by Lugh Lamhfada, but the player acquires it after his death, occasionally appearing on the battlefield as a Deus ex machina.
In the PS3 game Folklore (2007), a weapon named ‘Answerer’ can be obtained in the fourth altar, ‘Endless Corridor.’
In TV Shows and Movies
In the manga Project ARMS, characters Keith Green and his genetic clone, Takashi Takatsuki/James Huang, use a spatial cutting technique called “Answerer.”
In the Digimon series, Fragarach is a greatsword wielded by Slayerdramon, a Mega-level Dragon Man Digimon.
The Seven-Branched Sword was presented as a diplomatic gift to Japan by Baekje.
It had a ceremonial role in rituals, rather than practical combat use.
The inscriptions on the sword offer insights into ancient diplomatic ties.
The Seven-Branched Sword is an ancient iron sword that originated at Isonokami Shrine in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. This cold weapon measures 29.5 inches (74.9 cm) in length and has six branches of blade edges, three on each side of the sword. You can think of the main blade as the “seventh” branch. There are inscriptions in gold inlay on its blade. The Seven-Branched Sword was designated as a Japanese National Treasure in 1953.
Origin and Use
The Isonokami Shrine where the Seven-Branched Sword is currently located.
The exact origin of the Seven-Branched Sword has been forgotten, and it was referred to as the “Six-Pronged Spear” in Isonokami Shrine. This sword was used as a ceremonial object in rituals, particularly during a ceremony where the first seedlings of the year were planted in the fields. Thus, the sword had more of a symbolic or ceremonial role than being a practical edged weapon.
The Seven-Branched Sword may have been presented by the Korean kingdom of Baekje (18 BC to 660 AD) to Japan, and it is associated with diplomatic exchanges between Baekje and Japan during ancient times.
Why the Seven Protrusions?
A replica of the Seven-Branched Sword, National Museum of Japan. (Photo, WaffenSS, CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Seven-Sons Mirror, or the Seven-Little-One Mirror gifted alongside the sword, is described as having seven protrusions, which aligns with the “seven sons” theme in Korean folklore. The same theme might be the reason why the Seven-Branched Sword has seven protrusions.
This bronze mirror and other artifacts were reportedly unearthed from the Daisenryo Kofun of the mid-5th century (a kofun is an “ancient grave”), and they are believed to be related to the reign of Emperor Nintoku (r. 313–399), the 16th Emperor of Japan.
Still, there is speculation that these artifacts were purchased in Kyoto by Okakura Kakuzo, a Japanese art critic, and do not precisely align with the tomb’s construction period.
There have been two separate attempts at restoring or reproducing the Seven-Branched Sword, one in 1980 and another in 2005. Due to a lack of information on the original production process, a new one has been implemented during these restorations.
Inscriptions on the Seven-Branched Sword
The sword has inscriptions on its blade, with a total of 61 characters inlaid in gold. Due to corrosion and damage, 49 characters are legible, 4 are entirely unreadable, and 8 can be partially deciphered.
The Chinese inscriptions are said to have been written by the monarch of Baekje when he presented the sword to the king of Wa (Japan) in the third century AD.
The sword is constructed of “one hundred layers of steel” and can penetrate “one hundred enemies”, according to the inscription. The first of its type, this sword was commissioned for the King of Wa by the King of Baekje. The inscription states that the sword should be handed down to the “next generations”.
Various interpretations of the year mentioned in the inscriptions suggested varying dates as the origin of the sword, such as 268 AD, 369 AD, or 468 AD in the Chinese calendar. The specific construction year of the Seven-Branched is yet to be resolved.
Significance of the Sword
The Seven-Branched Sword is a valuable artifact. It provides insights into the relationship between ancient Japan and China during the 4th century. It is one of the few surviving written historical records from that period.
According to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), the sword, along with a mirror called “Seven-Little-One Mirror,” was presented to Japan as a diplomatic gift from Baekje. The idea that “Tai” may be a unique Baekje-era name suggests once again that the sword may have been created in the context of Baekje’s internal politics.
Despite its large, deadly size, this sword was likely used more for symbolic purposes than practical combat.
Physical Features
A photograph of the Seven-Branched Sword from 1930 could show the original weapon.
The original Seven-Branched Sword is still in existence today, and it has been guarded in the Isonokami Shrine ever since it was introduced there. However, the sword is not visible to the general public. It has the following physical features:
Total length: 29.5 in (74.9 cm).
Blade: 25.8 in (65.5 cm), double-edged and slightly curved with a central ridge.
Tang: 3.7 in (9.4 cm), it does not have a hole for fixing the sword.
Weight: 4.03 lb (1.83 kg).
Material: Iron.
Branches: The branches are 3.9 in long (10 cm) and 1.2 in wide (3 cm).
History of the Seven-Branched Sword
Envoys from Baekje under the command of Chikuma Nagahiko traveled to Japan in the ninth month on the tenth day of the 52nd year of the Japanese empress Empress Jing’s reign, according to the Chronicles of Japan (Nihon Shoki). They presented the Seven-Branched Sword, the Seven-Little-One Mirror, and various precious items to the Japanese court.
Chikuma Nagahiko mentioned that there was a river to the west of his country, and its source was an iron mountain in Kokuna. This river was so distant that it would take seven days to reach it. He offered to provide the iron from this mountain to the Japanese court.
Therefore, the Seven-Little-One Mirror and the Seven-Branched Sword were described as treasures made using the iron from Tetsuzan (“Iron Mountain”) in Kokuna.
Chikuma also conveyed that the connection between his country and Japan, given by the heavens, was essential for the stability of Japan. He advised the Japanese court to maintain good relations, gather tribute regularly, and continue the exchange. Following this, annual tributes and exchanges between Baekje and Japan continued.
Chikuma Nagahiko later took action against the Korean Kingdom of Silla after it seized tribute from Baekje in 247 AD, according to the Japanese chronicles.
In the 49th year of Empress Jingū’s reign, Japanese forces were dispatched to Takachimura and attacked the Silla Kingdom. Baekje generals like Kira Sho and Sasha Nuguai also cooperated in defeating Silla forces, resulting in the subjugation of several regions.
There are various interpretations regarding the exchange of the Seven-Branched Sword:
Some believe it was a gift from Eastern Jin to Japan.
Others suggest that Baekje offered and gifted it to Japan.
The historical context of Baekje facing the threat of an invasion by the Korean Kingdom of Goguryeo might have led to their alliance with Japan, resulting in the creation of the Seven-Branched Sword. In this interpretation, this ornamented sword was a valuable gift exchanged between the two countries as equals.
According to the scholar Kosaku Hamada, the exchange of the Seven-Branched Sword, which was created by Eastern Jin in 369 AD, was a diplomatic move. He believes it solidified an alliance between Baekje and Japan and established a southward diplomatic line involving Japan, Baekje, the Gaya Confederacy, and the southern Chinese states, which lasted into the early 6th century.
Another scholar, Yoshitane Sakamoto, interprets the sword’s inscription and suggests that Baekje received titles and status from Eastern Jin, and out of joy and respect, they gifted the ornamented Seven-Branched Sword to Japan. The inscriptions on the sword contain historical clues related to Baekje’s military achievements and alliances.
How Old is the Seven-Branched Sword?
In the original inscription on the sword, the Seven-Branched Sword appears to be associated with the year 369 AD. There is a mention of the “Baekje King” and “Crown Prince,” who received investiture from Eastern Jin, which indicates a connection between the sword and Baekje royalty.
The negotiations between Baekje and the Eastern Jin Dynasty are initially recorded in the Book of Jin as starting in 372 AD. Therefore, the Eastern Jin may have already acknowledged the Geunchogo of Baekje as a king before this formal investiture.
The sword’s inscription includes the term “Prince King”, which is suggested to refer to the “King of Wa” mentioned on the reverse side of the sword. This is actually of higher status or significance than the King of Baekje.
Baekje established a close relationship with the Wa Kingdom in the history of early Japan to counter the threat from the Kingdom of Goguryeo. In 369 AD, Wa and Baekje allied to launch an expedition into the Korean Peninsula, with Baekje emerging victorious against Goguryeo.
When the Korean Kingdom of Baekje began to pay tribute to the Chinese Eastern Jin around 372 AD, the Seven-Branched Sword might have been presented as part of this diplomatic relationship. The bronze mirror was also presented alongside the sword, and it is currently believed to be housed in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
The name “Hwando” means “rounded sword,” and it referred to various Korean long swords.
Hwando has a smaller blade curve than the katana.
It is worn with a cord around the waist and has a painted scabbard with tassels.
The Hwando was a curved sword with a single outer edge that was popular throughout the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties in Korea. The sword was between 25 and 40 inches in length, depending on whether it was used by cavalry or infantry. The blade of this sword has a curve like that of a saber or scimitar. A Hwando appears very similar to the Japanese katana.
Origin of the Name
The name “Hwando,” which means “rounded sword,” is said to have been named after either the rounded curvature of the blade or the ring on the scabbard from which the sword was hung at the waist. Both infantry and mounted soldiers of the time utilized Hwando swords.
The term Hwando was also sometimes used during the Joseon era to refer to a wide variety of outer-edged long swords, including many distinct sorts of swords used for martial arts and combat training. That’s why the name Hwando actually referred to more than just one sort of Korean sword.
History of the Hwando Sword
The name “Hwando” first appeared in historical records during the reign of King Chungnyeol in the 3rd year of the Goryeo Dynasty (1277, April). In this record, envoys Yu Hong and Holno were sent from Yuan (Mongol) to King Chungnyeol, and King Chungnyeol ordered Lee Chang-mo to make 1,000 Hwando swords in Chungju. There are also records in the “Yuan Shi” (History of Yuan) mentioning someone offering Hwando swords to the “Great Khan” of the Mongols during the reign of King Sejo. It is presumed that the name Hwando was introduced during the late Goryeo period, possibly due to Mongol influence.
The Chinese characters for Hwando can be translated as “rounded sword,” suggesting a curved blade, as seen in existing Hwando artifacts and records. Another interpretation attributes its origin to the ring on the scabbard, where the sword is hung from the waist. There is also a theory suggesting it originated from the ring shape of the pommel.
During the Joseon period, the term “Hwando” was used generically to refer to long swords with outer edges. Various types of swords, such as Unggeom, Paedo, Baeggeom, and swords listed in the “Muyedobotongji” (Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts) like Yedo, Ssangsudo, Ssanggeom, and even Waeggeom, were all collectively referred to as Hwando. Even during training, everyone trained using only one type of Hwando, and not only Japanese swords and Jurchen swords, but even Western swords from the late Joseon Dynasty were all referred to as Hwando indiscriminately in the annals.
The shape of the Hwando sword is similar to the Japanese katana sword, but the curvature of the blade is smaller, and closer to a straight sword compared to the katana. The “Goryeo Dogyeong” describes the pre-Mongol invasion Korean sword as “hoengdo” (horizontal sword), which resembles the katana from the Tang Dynasty onwards. This “hoengdo” has a rounded tip and is tied horizontally under the armpit with a leather sheath.
The influence of the saber from the Central Asian steppes, which entered through Mongolia, is thought to have caused the straight hoengdo to develop a curved blade. This type of “hoengdo” was introduced to Goryeo, becoming the model for the Hwando sword.
In the early Joseon Dynasty, the Hwando was known for its significant curvature and relatively short length. The recorded specifications in the “Munjongsillok of Annals” state that the blade length of the Hwando for infantry was 14 inches and for cavalry was 13 inches.
The handle length was 10.3 inches for infantry and 6.5 inches for cavalry, which, when converted, equated to a total length of approximately 22 inches for infantry and 19.3 inches for cavalry. This length was shorter compared to the Japanese katana.
Reason for the Shorter Sword Length
It was believed that a straight and shorter blade was more effective for combat. Weight was also a consideration, as the early Joseon military standards included carrying armor, two bows, about 20 arrows, and the Hwando sword. Therefore, soldiers preferred lighter swords.
However, after the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea), it was realized that the relatively shorter Hwando was inconvenient compared to Japanese swords, especially the katana. Consequently, in the later Joseon period, there was a trend towards longer Hwando swords.
Unlike the Japanese katana, the Hwando sword is worn by threading a cord through two loops attached to the scabbard and tying it around the waist. There was a separate belt made of cowhide or deer skin for wearing the Hwando sword, and the scabbard was wrapped with cloth and painted black or orange. A cord called “Hongjo Sooara” was passed through a hole in the middle of the scabbard, and two tassels adorned the hilt.
What Made Hwando a Remarkable Sword?
The Hwando sword was an example of efficiency in hand-to-hand combat at a time when conventional weaponry was being phased out in favor of modern rifles and artillery. These swords, which were generally 28 inches in length, were ideal for troops who needed to be nimble while wearing bulky armor and wielding many different weapons. During the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, the Hwando’s length suddenly increased to almost 36 inches before shrinking down to its more manageable size.
The steel was used in their construction, and they were bolstered with sharkskin or hemp fabric for extra strength. The orange swords were reserved for generals close to the monarch, and the black swords were carried by regular generals and troops. Some ornamental examples were adorned with sea turtle shells, gold, silver, or jade.
In 2017, President Putin delivered a historic Hwando sword to President Moon Jae-in.
The sica sword was an ancient Balkan weapon used by Thracians, Dacians, and Illyrians. It had a curved blade and was relatively short, falling between the categories of a long knife and a short sword. The sica sword, a curved saber-like double edged weapon, is often associated with the Thracian peoples of Roman antiquity due to its presumed links to their origin and employment of the weapon. So-called “Thraex” gladiators specifically used the sica sword.
Origin
Thracian
Type:
Saber
Period:
Roman antiquity
Users:
Thracian, Celtic, and Illyrian warriors, gladiators
Length:
Blade: 10–18 in (25–45 cm), Total: 16–24 in (40–60 cm)
Features:
The blade bends 45 degrees at the tip from the handle.
In the evolution of the Latin language, the word “sica” evolved to mean the dagger used by political plotters, assassins, and other hired murderers.
Purpose of the Sica Sword
Thraex with sica.
According to one controversial theory, the sica sword was made to circumvent an opponent’s shield and attack the enemy from behind or side. Most Italic people and other ancient Romans at the time often wielded scutum shields.
These were the large, red shields with a shield boss, known for their use by the Roman army. Murmillo gladiators also utilized the scutum shields, and they were pretty much impenetrable.
The only way for a thraex gladiator to defeat a murmillo was to circumvent his scutum, and the sharply bent blade of the sica sword was suitable for that. They often combined this short sword with the parma shield.
These large daggers were beautifully decorated to represent the spiritual and creative virtues of their wielders.
According to another theory, this shape was designed to distribute the energy of a slashing blow, similar to the kukri knife which was designed without taking into account the use of shields. The fact that the species from earlier eras had a more pronounced bending in comparison to later ones supports this.
Fighting Style
A thraex with a sica sword against a murmillo with a scutum. Artist: Vasily Golubev
The sica sword was only employed in a combat manner comparable to that of the kama weapon, with the curved, concave side facing downward. It could readily amputate limbs in the hands of a trained user.
The Roman legionaries were understandably terrified of it, which prompted improvements to their protective gear.
In the hands of a master, every strike with this sword was a fatal strike. With the curve pointing downwards, the tip could have easily snagged into the enemy’s helmet. After that, Thracian would move the blade upwards and slash across the enemy’s face, killing the person.
Origin of the Sica Sword
The sica had its origins in Illyria but was subsequently employed across the Balkans and even by the Romans.
It is believed that the Hallstatt culture was responsible for creating the sica sword. The Urnfield culture of the 12th century BC (Late Bronze Age) gave rise to the Hallstatt culture, which dominated Western and Central European archaeological sites from the 12th to the 6th centuries BC.
This culture is known for using various long daggers or short swords.
This culture is often connected with people who spoke Proto-Celtic. The etymology of this sword’s name lies in the word tsikā. From Proto-Indo-European ḱey– (‘to sharpen’), presumably through Illyrian, the word tsikā (from which Proto-Albanian thikë, ‘knife’) emerged.
History of the Sica Sword
Thrace Mosaic Medallion with a Thraex gladiator and a sica sword. (Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped from original)
The word ‘sica’ was often used in ancient Rome to refer to curved weapons like sabers and long daggers. The size of this weapon was between 16–24 in (40–60 cm) with a 1.2 in (3 cm) width. In the 2nd century AD Zliten mosaic, a Roman gladiator is seen wielding this sword.
The blade of a sica was sharpened on the inside rather than the outside, similar to the sickle and the yatagan. This short sword also featured a sharp tip. However, the Romans had more experience and skill with their gladius swords.
Many short, curved swords were common among Mediterranean cultures. But the Romans saw the sica as uniquely Illyrian and the weapon of choice for contract killers.
During the time of the Thracians
Sica sword on the belt of a Dacian warrior, Manching Museum, Germany. (Image: Wolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 3.0)
Horsemen of the Thracian peoples, such as the Dacians, Getae, Moesians, etc., frequently used the sica sword from the late Hellenistic period onward, but the Dacians in particular. The Thracians were notoriously agile warriors who prioritized speed above protection and possessed some of the best riders in history. This Thracian sword was a staple of their military and culture.
According to Valerius Maximus (a 1st-century Latin writer), a Thracian mercenary’s sica sword struck the consul Publius Licinius Crassus Dives Mucianus, killing him during the battle between Rome and the Kingdom of Pergamon in 130 BC.
Their sizes might be either lower or greater than 16–24 inches (40–60 cm) in these regions. Even though all sica swords look roughly the same from the end of the 3rd century on, there’s still some variety in the handle’s form and the blade’s curve and thickness.
Species from various areas.
The rhomphaia was another comparable Thracian weapon, characterized largely by its larger blade and grip, which required both hands to use.
After the Dacian monarch Decebalus was defeated in Trajan’s Dacian Wars and committed suicide with a sica sword in 106 BC, this cold weapon seems to have faded from these regions. This scene is depicted in the 113 AD Trajan’s Column located in Rome, and the weapon can be seen in this depiction.
Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD), writing around the start of the 3rd century, still gives the Thracians credit for creating a long, curved dagger but calls it a harpe sword instead. Nonetheless, this weapon was not ideal for thrusting but was fairly powerful for slashing and chopping.
Among the Ancient Romans
Artist: Mark Beerdom
Over time, the name ‘sica’ came to refer to any bladed weapon having a pronounced curvature. One example of this was the curved kopis knife used by the Thracians, the Celts, and the Illyrians. However, it could also refer to the sword used by the so-called Thraex gladiators.
As Cicero (106–43 BC) attests, the name also came to refer to a short dagger, which was utilized by political plotters. The sicarius (‘assassin’), a kind of ancient contract killer, and the Sicarii, a group of Jewish activists who fought against the Romans, both took their names from this weapon. Their similar-shaped weapons were called ‘Sicarii dagger.’
In Roman jurisprudence, the sica sword was considered a dishonorable weapon where strict distinctions were made in such matters.
Initially designed to pursue political murders, the Roman legislation that established homicide as a crime in 82 BC at Sulla’s insistence was also dubbed Lex Cornelia de sicariis.
Why Sica Sword Was an Effective Weapon
Even though the bend reduced its thrusting force, this weapon could still be used effectively as a thrusting weapon by swinging it with the pointed end in front.
There were several reasons why the Sica sword was so powerful as a weapon. Its distinctive curved blade enabled forceful slicing and chopping actions. Because of its curved shape, it was effective at beheading foes.
Its recurved blade made it usable as a rather big kukri or a Dacian falx and rhomphaia.
Because of the blade’s design, the sword could be used like a shotel (an African curved sword) to hook around a shield and control it. The sword’s reduced length made it more manageable and quicker to move than longer weapons.
The precision swings of this weapon allowed gladiators and other combatants to surprise their opponents in the most unexpected ways. Because of its small weight, it could be used repeatedly without wearing the user out.
All in all, this ancient, large Balkan dagger or sword was a rather effective weapon for slicing and cutting. Many of its features made the sica sword a very powerful weapon in the hands of trained soldiers.
Thraex gladiators also made use of wooden sica swords for training, along with wooden rudis and rhomphaia swords:
Similar Weapons
Kopis: A Greek sword with a forward-curving blade, designed for chopping and slashing attacks.
Falcata: A sword with a single-edged, curved blade originating from the Iberian Peninsula, known for its chopping and slashing capabilities.
Kukri: A curved Nepalese knife used as both a tool and a weapon, known for its effectiveness in chopping and slashing.
Machete: A large, heavy knife with a broad blade, often used for cutting vegetation and as a weapon in various cultures.
Scimitar: A curved sword commonly associated with the Middle East and North Africa, known for its slashing capabilities.
Khopesh: An Egyptian sword with a curved blade, used for chopping, slashing, and hooking.
The cavalry of the 15th through the 18th centuries often utilized a sword variant called the koncerz, a one-handed cold weapon. The long, thin blade is a defining feature of the koncerz, and it is one of the most unique historical swords. Despite its obviously Eastern provenance, some linguists trace the word “koncerz” back to the Latin contus, meaning a pole or thin projectile. However, a stronger etymological tie exists with the Tatar “khanjar” in medieval weaponry, which means “dagger”.
Koncerz
Type of weapon:
Sword
Other names:
Occasionally, estoc
Origin:
Eastern Europe, Turkic
Distribution:
Turkey, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania
Total length:
50-63″ (1.5-1.6 m)
Weight:
2.5–4.5 lb (1–2 kg)
The koncerz became a distinctive weapon for the hussars during the 16th century. This sword featured a potentially four-sided blade, incorporating a central spine edge. It could have a narrow, square-shaped base or a diamond-shaped configuration, and later variations even introduced a three-sided design. The Turkic people may have taken the idea of this weapon from a similar Chinese weapon.
The Slavs adopted the koncerz from the Turkic peoples.
The koncerz resembled a longsword in many respects, and it is one of the lesser-known Renaissance swords. It had a long blade, which was often from 60 to 70 inches (1.5 to 1.8 m) in length, with a triangular or quadrilateral cross-section.
This section was less frequently lenticular, flat, or prismatic with concave sides. The standard koncerz was used with just one hand, but there was also a two-handed version known as estoc.
Koncerz sword at number 20, from Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1890–1907).
Only a few original examples of the weapon have survived, and sword enthusiasts and collectors are the owners of them. One of them is displayed in Poland, in the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. This is perhaps due to the blade’s length and relatively narrow cross-section, making the weapon prone to fracture compared to other combat swords.
There are many instances of combined edged weapons among the European blades and swords, such as the Bec de Corbin or the Lucerne hammer. And some versions of koncerz were designed to allow cavalry to fire a pistol while charging with the sword on horseback. But the weight of such a combined arm raises questions about its usefulness.
A Polish video showcases the sword in detail at 3:25 and 4:25.
The weapon’s handle went through many iterations. Originally, it featured an egg-shaped knob and an S- or 8-shaped grip. Later, a guard plate was mounted to the grip, and the crossbars were angled inward, closer to the blade.
The use of saber handles became widespread beginning in the late 16th century. These later models abandoned the medieval crossguard in favor of a saber-like guard.
Koncerz with crossbars angled inward, from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. (Hungarian National Museum)
Examples of Western spade handles appeared by the end of the 17th century. The first known portrayal of this weapon dates back to 1540 when it appeared on the coat of arms. Quickly adopted by the Turks, even Hassán Bey’s (1532–1532) elaborate koncerz hilt survived. It didn’t take long before it spread to Polish and Russian soil.
Origin of the Koncerz
The etymological Turkic origin of the name refers to an Eastern European origin for the sword. However, it is unclear where this weapon first arose.
The name “koncerz” appears earliest in history in the legends of the Battle of Kulikovo (1380). However, the Russian horse army never really adopted them. The name of this sword also appears in the Old Hungarian text “Besztercei szójegyzék,” which was compiled in 1395.
The koncerz sword originated among the Turkic peoples, who encountered European opponents with thick protective armor during battles. It was later adopted by medieval countries, including Kievan Rus’, and became particularly popular in the heavy cavalry of Poland. The koncerz was in use from the 12th century until the end of the 18th century.
The koncerz, like other Renaissance-era cavalry swords made in the Balkans, was very definitely adapted from an Ottoman Turk weapon.
The earliest examples in Polish arsenals date back to the 14th century, and they likely entered Europe through the Kingdom of Hungary. However, they were still unfinished items. The weapon didn’t reach its full form until the 16th century, making it a significant asset to the winged hussars of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Since the only way to wound a soldier in metal armor was to stab through the gaps in the armor, swords were modified from slashing weapons to stabbing weapons. The koncerz was derived from swords with such narrow blades.
The faceted blade was superior to the flat one because it could be made longer without increasing its weight.
The 15th century saw the appearance of koncerz in Turkey, Hungary, and the borderlands between France and Germany. Turkish, Hungarian—the most common kind was Polish—and Western European were the three distinct varieties of koncerz.
It wasn’t until the 14th and 16th centuries, with the advent of metallurgy and knightly armor, that a chopping sword was made nearly useless on the battlefield. To break through the armor, three to five chopping hits were required, which was only possible in a one-on-one battle.
The situation got so dire that weaponsmiths began seeking alternatives. This may be observed in the creation of “armor-piercing” swords such as the estoc and the Polish-Lithuanian koncerz sword.
In the 17th century, “granatami” referred to a kind of Polish koncerz with a smaller sword hilt and triangular blade.
Because of the high demand, Hungarian swordsmiths had to outsource koncerz production, leading to a proliferation of South German factories producing this sword, some of which had Italian and Spanish blades.
The Hungarian cavalry also utilized the sword during the War of Independence (1703–-1711) led by Francis II Rákóczi. Eight koncerz were discovered in a 1708 inventory.
Koncerz’s History
Koncerz swords, probably of ceremonial origin, before 1853. (Image)
The first koncerz were used in the 14th and 15th centuries and were very similar to traditional swords. Their length was about 50 inches (1.3 m), with a straight crossguard and a sword hilt.
However, in the 16th and 17th centuries, they became lighter and practically adapted only to stabbing. This version of the weapon was up to 63 inches (1.6 m) long—almost as long as some spadone—with a half-open hilt (a hilt that partially covers the hand) and a spherical pommel.
Only employed on horseback, this weapon was designed to counter soldiers equipped with polearms, such as the lance or the ahlspiess. The soldiers did not carry it around their waists but attached it to the right or left side of the saddle, on the rider’s knee. Often, it was used as a “spare spear”. Most often, the spear was used for the first attack, followed by the koncerz.
According to French geographer Guillaume de Beauplan, when the fighting became tough, the hussars would wield koncerz of at least 5 feet in length to finish off the fallen foes.
And the rider would employ this sword in situations where the rider’s lance was broken or when there was limited space to gather enough momentum for a charge.
In Poland and Hungary, light cavalry units and hussars used koncerz, which were similar to hussar sabers but had closed hilts (a hilt that fully covers the hand).
Thus, it was technically among the knight’s weapons.
The koncerz of Hungary and Western Europe were designed for use only in battle, whereas the weapons of Turkish origin were used primarily for ceremonial reasons—with their elaborate ornamentation, sword accessories, and blade craftsmanship.
Light mercenary cavalry in the Polish imperial army often used koncerz in addition to sabers. These mercenaries included the Hungarian (hussars) and Polish (lisowczyks, “lost men”) cavalry units.
In conflicts against the Turks, the koncerz proved effective at penetrating their chain mail. The larger blade of this weapon made it useful for combat against a saber as well.
Stibor of Stiboricz (a Polish aristocrat in the Kingdom of Hungary), who was buried in 1414, is shown on his gravestone with a koncerz strapped to his right side.
Polish winged hussars carried the koncerz alongside the saber and used it in the event of a broken spear.
According to a 1721 Hungarian coat of arms, the koncerz was not gripped in a fist, but rather the handle was supported in the palm by the index and middle fingers.
Hungarian hussars serving in France were said to “bend over the horse’s head when stabbing and use the sword to stab the enemy by leaning the sword against their knee” in Histoire de la Milice Françoise (1721).
The kanchar appears in the historical records of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the second half of the 16th century. They went out of use in the 18th century.
The Holy Roman Empire‘s regular hussars used koncerz, which was forged of the finest steel and cost nearly six times as much as the saber stipulated by the Charter. In Europe, the weapon gained a reputation as a noble sword.
The Functionality of the Weapon
When driven with its pointed end, the koncerz could pierce the Turkish chain mail, behteret (an Eastern armor), and baidana (a chain mail with flat iron rings), as well as the thick, quilted cotton kaftans worn by Tatar horsemen during the battles in Eastern Europe.
The two-handed estoc, created to pierce through armor with great power, has grown popular in Western Europe. The German name of this weapon, Panzerstecher (i.e., “armor piercer”), provides secondary evidence (in Vladimir Brnardic’s The Imperial Armies of the Thirty Years’ War 1618–1648 (2): Cavalry) for the mentioned use of koncerz above.
However, it was not an effective weapon for slashing since the blade was very thin and had no cutting edges. Therefore, it required great swordsmanship and the utilization of certain swordfighting techniques to use this weapon in battle.
And the claims by the Polish historian of literature Henryk Markiewicz that the weapon could be used effectively as a heavy cavalry cutting weapon in combat can be disregarded as pure fiction.
These quotes below exemplify instances where the koncerz sword was portrayed as ineffective against certain types of chain armor, as described in various books:
“…he felt that the koncerz slipped in cutting through Babinicz’s misiurka [a chain-plate helmet].” (The Deluge, vol. 3, chapter XXI).
“He struck me in the head with a koncerz and brought me down. [He is surviving]” (The Deluge, vol. 2, chapter XL).
“…Skrzetuski attacked the enraged Tugay Bey and smashed his head with a koncerz (…), perhaps the Damascus-forged misiurka could withstand the blow, but the blade curled on impact and shattered into small pieces.” (With Fire and Sword, vol. 2, chapter XXIV).
“…a gigantic hussar… stands in the stirrups to strike more forcefully, and with a terrifying swing, he brings down the koncerz blade upon the aged head (…) and Kiaja, almost cut in half to his shoulders, falls…” (Colonel Wolodyjowski, Epilogue).
The Koncerz Sword at a Glance
What is the origin of the Koncerz sword?
The weapon first emerged in the 15th century and was used in Turkey, Hungary, and the borderlands between France and Germany. There were three distinct varieties of the sword: Turkish, Hungarian, and Western European.
How was the Koncerz sword used in battle?
Hussars and cavalry units used the weapon primarily. It was strapped beneath the saddle of a horse, ready to be employed when the rider’s lance was broken or in situations where there was limited space for a charge. It was designed to counter soldiers equipped with polearms and could effectively pierce various types of armor worn by opponents.
What were the characteristics of the Koncerz sword?
The weapon had a long blade, typically ranging from 60 to 70 inches (1.5 to 1.8 m) in length, with a triangular or quadrilateral cross-section. It featured a half-open hilt, a spherical pommel, and a thin blade without cutting edges, making it less effective for slashing attacks.
Were there any limitations or drawbacks to the Koncerz sword?
Due to its relatively narrow cross-section and lengthy blade, the sword was prone to fracture compared to other combat swords. Its effectiveness relied heavily on the skill and swordsmanship of the wielder, as it required precise techniques and thrusting movements to be effective in battle.
During the Renaissance, Italy and the countries surrounding the Holy Roman Empire—essentially Germany and Switzerland—produced a new style of two-handed sword known as the spadone in Italy, the zweihander in Germany, the greatsword in England, the claymore in Scotland, and the montante in Spain and Portugal. Spadone means something like “great sword” in Italian, similar to zweihander, which means “two handed,” and montante means “very large sword.” This cold weapon was one of the most powerful edged weapons ever produced in history.
Spadone was used between the 15th and 17th centuries, most notably in the Swabian War (1499), Italian Wars (1494–1559), and German Peasants’ War (1524–1525). A typical spadone weighed 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) and had a length of up to 79 inches (200 cm).
Note: For a reason, this sword is more commonly referred to as a zweihander than a spadone in history. But they were pretty much the same weapon.
The Accounts of the Use of Spadone
The spadone (or zweihander) sword that has come to be known as “the sword of Pier Gerlofs Donia” is actually a ceremonial bearing sword (1400-1420), since it is too heavy to be utilized effectively in battle.
We have accounts of skilled swordsmen who wielded the deadly spadone in Renaissance and modern Europe, so while it is true that the romanticization of swordsmanship during the Romanticism period contributed significantly to the overestimation of the abilities of sword-wielding knights, this fact cannot be ignored. Therefore, we need to take into account not just the cultural influences but also the historical facts that have shaped our understanding of swordplay.
1. The most famous spadone users include the Frisian rebel leader and pirate Pier Gerlofs Donia (1480–1520) of the early 16th-century anti-Habsburg rebellion. Donia was legendary for his immense strength and renowned for his ability and effectiveness as a swordsman. His greatsword or spadone stroke was so powerful that it was said he could behead many people at once.
Since 2008, a zweihander (the local name of the sword) with measurements of 84 inches (213 cm) in length and 14.5 lbs (6.6 kg) in weight has been on display at the Leeuwarden Museum.
Roel Woering, business director of Fries Museum Leeuwarden with a spadone (zweihander) sword.
However, other accounts suggest that the scholar Ewart Oakeshott (1916–2002) was probably correct in his assessment that the spadone was most often employed in duels and defensive situations rather than the battlefield.
2.The Knights Hospitaller—outnumbered by Suleiman the Magnificent‘s army during the 1522 siege of Rhodes (100,000 Turks to 7,000 Christians)—relied on mercenary lansquenets (an archaic variant of landsknecht) equipped with spadones to protect the city’s fortifications. Despite losing twenty thousand men in the attack on the Christian stronghold, the Turkish sultan decided to negotiate a surrender in the enemy’s favor.
The French naval officer Prégeant de Bidaux—known for his brutality—stood out throughout this fighting. His spadone could slash through “half a man clean,” and his Herculean frame made him a feared pirate for the Hospitallers. The man was known for his “love for the war and hate for the Turks.”
3. Benedetto Varchi mentions a particular captain Goro in his book Storia Fiorentina. He was a mercenary for the Florentine government who used his two-handed spadone to split two of the Volterran (a town in Italy) rebels who had stormed the town hall.
4. In his autobiography, Benvenuto Cellini, a Florentine bronzesmith and artist, writes of an attempt on his life by French bandits to steal from him when he was in Paris. For his part, he describes using a two-handed spadone in self-defense situations.
The spadone could be used as a cutting tool, an impact weapon, or even as a polearm, depending on the situation. This was because the blade could be extended quite a ways, the weight was distributed, and the hands were well protected because of the large cross guard and the parrying hook, which allowed for a variety of grips.
The lansquenet infantry was often deployed in the shape of human walls, each member keeping a hand on the ricasso of his spadone. This allowed the weapon to be employed in the same manner as a lance, both in halting aggressive cavalry assaults by unseating the knights and in close-quarters combat.
The spadone was versatile enough to be employed as a slashing weapon against unarmored foes or as an impact weapon against downed knights in armor (the misericorde dagger served a similar purpose).
Because of the “second grip” with the “parrying hook” and the blade’s long reach, the sharp tip of the spadone could be directed with pinpoint accuracy to the areas of the body that were not covered by chain mail or plate armor—again, similar to the misericorde.
History of Spadone
Portrait of a man with a spadone, from 1565 until 1570. By Bartolomeo Passarotti (1529–1592), oil on canvas.
During the Renaissance, the spadone (or zweihander) rose to fame as the signature weapon of the first Swiss mercenaries and the Landsknechts, having reached its final form in the countries that surrounded the Holy Roman Empire (founded in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland) in the 15th century. To combat the Swiss, Emperor Maximilian I of the Habsburgs founded the Landsknechts and equipped them with spadones.
As a two-handed sword modified for use in foot duels between medieval knights, the spadone likely originated in Spain (it was known as “espadon” in later times, probably the origin of “spadone” or the other way around). However, the montante or espadon did not grow to the gigantic proportions of their German and Italian counterparts.
During the late Middle Ages, knights would engage in foot duels using this variant of the two-handed sword known as the spadone or zweihander (there is still an ongoing debate on the original name of this weapon). The style of combat changed dramatically with the spadone during the Renaissance.
Heavy and versatile, the spadone was designed for tremendous cutting assaults and soon became standard equipment for the largest infantrymen and the best swordsmen. The soldiers who wielded spadones were stationed at the front of the formation and tasked with clearing the field of enemy pikes with violent strikes so that the rest of their mates could properly step into the enemy field.
When compared to the two-handed sword traditionally used in the swordsman-on-swordsman duel, the spadone was also repurposed as a “pike cutter.” Whether facing an unarmed foe or one armed with a sword, the spadone proved effective as a surrogate for a polearm weapon.
But unlike polearms, its blade swung and vibrated around a lot due to its length. That’s why the weapon masters covered the ricasso (the small, unsharpened part of the blade above the guard) with leather to grip the blade during an attack.
The swordsman would clutch the hilt and ricasso of the spadone, then thrust it forward in a lunge that resembled a spear thrust more than a sword thrust.
Infantrymen armed with spadone or (zweihänder) charge enemy pikemen in the Second War of Kappel (1548).
In Germany, “Doppelsöldner” was a designation given to the Landsknechte soldiers who were proficient with spadones/zweihanders and also arquebuses. They were paid twice as much as their pikemen or halberdier counterparts. The literal translation of “doppelsöldner” is “double pay.
Even before the start of the 16th century, fewer and fewer soldiers were using spadones in combat. The Doppelsöldner’s charge at the pikemen was now a senseless and unnecessary mass suicide due to the growing number of arquebusiers within the ranks of European armies. The book titled The Pike and Shot Tactics 1590–1660 explains this era.
The use of the spadone in duels continued far into the 17th century.
A Spadone’s Design
Traditional Italian fencing treatises stipulate that a spadone must be the same height as its wielder. For comparison, a traditional two-handed sword could be as short as the height of the fencer’s armpit.
The spadone’s hilt was enormous. The grip—often covered in leather—was around 20 inches (50 cm) in length, or something along the lines of four palms. The cross guard with straight arms was of a similar length to that grip, completing the impressive size of the hilt.
The front hand of the swordsman served as a pivot against the handle, while the rear hand, positioned near the pommel, functioned as a lever. This strategic arrangement enabled the swordsman to execute powerful strikes with spadone rapidly and effectively.
While some spadone examples were lavishly decorated with expensive materials like ivory, this was not the norm. However, the spadone’s guard was characteristic of a katzbalger (a short Renaissance sword) in that it also featured two rings that extended outward from the cross guard.
The spadone, as it is used today, features a handle that can accommodate four palms and more, and is equipped with a large cross. This design is not intended for use in the same way as other weapons we have discussed. Rather, it is meant to be used alone, allowing its wielder to stand in the guise of a galleon among many galleys, resisting multiple swords or other weapons simultaneously.
To ensure that the spadone can be used for both defense and offense, it should be divided into two halves. Its length should be proportionate to that of a man, not too long nor too short. It must have sharp double edges and be lightweight so that the observer of this art can execute cutting and pointing blows with greater speed and ease. It is also important to have a good supply, as the hand is the main tool that operates according to nature and the rule of art.
Francesco Alfieri, a 17th-century Italian master of fencing.
In spadone, the tip of the ricasso (the unsharpened blade piece above the guard) was sometimes further covered by a second guard made of “parrying hooks” (parierhaken) about 2 inches (5 cm) in length, similar to those seen on the spetum or corseque pole weapons. Fencing “half-sword” techniques necessitated this parrying hook, and it served to protect the hand.
The spadone’s blade was often 40 inches (1 m) or more in length, and its ricasso was occasionally sheathed in leather. One or both sides of the blade could be wavy, like a flame-bladed sword. There is ongoing discussion over whether or not a wavy blade is really effective. The idea that it can help enhance the cutting blow at the point of contact is often disregarded, particularly when used against the shafts of pikes or halberds.
The theory that the wavy cutting edge was utilized to parry an opponent’s sword by unloading more force on the blade is more intriguing. The typology of the flame-bladed spada da lato (“side sword”), which became popular alongside the spadone as a dueling weapon, lends credence to this theory.
During the 16th century, European spadones came in a wide range of sizes, regardless of differences in design or technique. The Landeszeughaus Museum in Graz has a collection of preserved spadones, whose average dimensions are 67 inches (170 cm) in length and 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) in weight.
The biggest example of spadone, however, is 78 inches (199 cm) long and weighs about 13 lbs (6 kg), still belonging to the category of functional, non-ceremonial weaponry. For comparison, the Spanish montante from the Mediterranean region is typically 59 inches (150 cm) long and weighs between 4.5 and 5.5 lbs (2 and 2.5 kg).
Spadones with completely wavy blades existed as well. The zweihanders of this type were purely ornamental, with a size and weight much larger than those of other spadones. Those zweihanders measured almost 79 inches (2 m) in length and 15 lbs (7 kg) in mass. Since their blades resembled the shape of a flame, they were also known as flamberge swords.
Spadone at a Glance
What is a spadone and what other names is it known by?
The spadone is a type of two-handed sword that originated in Italy during the Renaissance. It is also known as the zweihander in Germany, the greatsword in England, the claymore in Scotland, and the montante in Spain and Portugal.
Who were some famous users of the spadone?
One of the most famous spadone users was Pier Gerlofs Donia, a Frisian rebel leader and pirate of the early 16th century who was renowned for his immense strength and effectiveness as a swordsman. Another notable group of spadone users were the mercenary lansquenets who protected the Knights Hospitaller during the 1522 siege of Rhodes.
How was the spadone used in battle?
The spadone was versatile enough to be used as a cutting tool, an impact weapon, or even as a polearm, depending on the situation. It could be employed as a slashing weapon against unarmored foes or as an impact weapon against knights in armor. The large cross guard and parrying hook allowed for a variety of grips and could be used to direct the sharp tip of the sword with pinpoint accuracy to areas of the body not covered by armor.
What is the historical significance of the spadone?
The spadone was one of the most powerful edged weapons ever produced in history and was used in many important conflicts during the Renaissance, including the Swabian War, Italian Wars, and German Peasants’ War. It was also a symbol of status and power, often used as a ceremonial bearing sword. The cultural influence and romanticization of swordsmanship during the Romanticism period contributed significantly to the overestimation of the abilities of sword-wielding knights.
How did the spadone compare to other swords of its time?
The spadone was one of the largest and heaviest swords of its time, typically weighing 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) and measuring up to 79 inches (200 cm) in length. It was more commonly referred to as a zweihander than a spadone in history, although they were essentially the same weapon. Its size and weight allowed for a variety of uses, including as a cutting tool, an impact weapon, and even as a polearm.
The flamberge, also known as a flamberg (German: → flamme → “flame” → flamberge), is a kind of wavy (flame-bladed) sword, often designed as a two-handed (sometimes one-handed or hand-and-a-half) edged weapon. In the 15th and 17th centuries, the flamberge sword was widely used across Europe, particularly in Switzerland and Germany. The Swiss Guard at the Vatican still uses ceremonial two-handed polearms (called the partisan weapon) along with the flamberge sword.
The Pontifical Swiss Guard with flamberge swords in the Palais de Rumine. (Abaddon1337, CC BY-SA 3.0)
Design of the Flamberge Sword
The blade of the flamberge sword was curved in wavy patterns. Most flamberge swords used in battle were only undulated for two-thirds of their length. The tip of the blade often remained straight, so it could still chop and stab like a regular sword.
This was true even for two-handed versions, which would normally require much practice and impact force. The whole length of the sword was sharpened, and the “flames” were diluted ever-so-slightly so that they cut like a saw.
The flamberge often had a little wavy guard in front of the main guard, which functioned to intercept the enemy’s sword and protect the warrior’s hands. The standard mounting angle was 45 degrees, which dramatically amplified its effect.
A ricasso (an unsharpened part of the sword) was placed in the space just between the two guards for greater grip strength with the use of the index fingers. All flamberge swords came with blades undulating like a flame.
The Advantage of the Flamberge Sword
In the 1884 edition of Richard F. Burton’s The Book of Swords, there is a picture of a flamberge sword.
The flamberge swords were advantageous because their blades significantly reduced the striking surface upon contact with the target, which was a major benefit over traditional sword designs. In other words, the sword’s weight and the blade’s curves greatly increased the destructive effect per unit area.
The concentrated force of the wavy blade’s impact made the curved edge superior for cutting. Particularly, the flamberge sword took advantage of a curved blade and merged it with the more conventional European straight sword.
The wavy blade of the flamberge sword allowed the projecting parts to break through hard objects more easily, such as armors. When the sword made contact with the target, the projecting parts would hit first, making it easier to penetrate the surface. Additionally, the unique design of the blade resulted in a noticeable saw effect on the surface being cut, especially on the reverse stroke.
When used to stab an opponent, a flamberge sword was far more effective than a traditional sword. Flamberge wounds always healed worse than conventional swords because of the unusual shape of the blade, which was literally against most types of wounds in nature.
The “waves” created a lacerated wound with multiple parallel incisions as they passed repeatedly through the victim’s body.
From left to right, these Spanish, German, and Italian rapiers all have flamberge blades and date to the 17th century. German Historic Museum (DHM) Berlin.
The flamberge swords were incredibly lethal weapons, to the extent that in many armies it became customary to immediately retaliate against any prisoner found with a flamberge sword. Therefore, using a flamberge sword in battle could be as lethal as defending against it.
The “waves” created a lacerated wound with multiple parallel incisions as they passed repeatedly through the victim’s body, which, given the unsanitary conditions of the military field and the state of medieval medicine at the time, nearly invariably got inflamed and caused gangrene that made the flamberge sword twice as deadly.
This effect was active up to the end of the sharpened wavy blade, which was around a third of the wound’s breadth. Furthermore, these characteristics were more pronounced when the flamberge’s wave proportions were higher.
For the same reasons, a stab wound from a flamberge was often quite broad. The effective breadth of the wound was 1.5–2 times the width of the blade, which was equivalent to the distance between the extreme points of the waves.
Furthermore, the wavy shape of the flamberge made it less likely to get stuck between the ribs of the victim. Because the wavy blade naturally found the path of least resistance. Although this property almost disappeared when holding the sword firmly.
Flamberge also provided a lot of benefits while defending, since the attacker’s blade would stay on the waves longer than conventional swords after being repelled.
The Drawbacks of the Flamberge
This flamberge sword from Toledo weighed 8.5 lbs (3.86 kg). The total length of the sword is 5.6 ft (1.7 m) and the hilt is covered with leather.
However, the flamberge sword was not without its drawbacks. For instance, the flamberge was less durable and heavier than a conventional sword. Because its relatively narrow profile necessitated a larger blade. A two-handed flamberge like the one above from Toledo weighed 8.5 lbs (3.86 kg).
Blades having an undulated pattern were more likely to shatter upon application or reflection of force since the metal was stressed in many zones (one for each half-wave).
Another factor reducing the flamberge sword’s longevity was the fact that at negative half-waves, the blade’s hardened edge operated in tension to a higher degree than it did on straight or slightly curved swords.
The makers of flamberges experimented with several methods of blade hardening to help the weapons last longer in combat. For instance, it has been observed that certain flamberges include hardening only for the cutting edge with varying degrees of surface carburizing.
In this scenario, the load distribution was better suited to bearing shock and vibration. Flamberges produced from the same metal still required distinct tempering techniques since they were effectively one-of-a-kind weapons with the varied shapes of their waves. Every flamberge was essentially a custom-made weapon.
As a result, flamberge swords were notoriously difficult to produce, had stringent quality control standards, were expensive, and saw very low volumes of usage.
The Use of Flamberge Swords
A landsknecht with a flamberge zweihander sword. Illustration by Angus McBride.
Mercenary infantry such as the condottieri and landsknechts who joined the battlefield towards the end of the 15th century were instrumental in spreading flamberge swords. They usually carried zweihänder swords (German “two-hander”), and some of them had undulating blades and were called flammenschwert, or flame-bladed swords.
Flamberge swords were relatively uncommon owing to their exorbitant price, but their value was immediately recognized. The Thirty Years’ War saw a surge in demand for flamberge swords.
Flamberge swords were still used in battle far into the 17th century, even after straight two-handed swords had fallen out of favor.
Some flamberge swords were created just for use in ceremonies. The blades of such swords often consisted of a single piece of metal that had not been properly hardened and was undulating all the way down its length.
Research into these blades has long supported the idea that flamberge swords were never intended for use in battle. Drawing comparisons between flamberge swords and the flaming weapon used by the Archangel Michael served as inspiration for this theory. Later research on flame-bladed swords, however, disproved this theory.
The End of Flamberges
A flamberge rapier and flamberge dagger with a unique flame-bladed style. German-made, circa 1600. The rapier has “Moor’s head” etched onto the blade.
Two-handed swords, used for fencing in the close combat of medieval times, went out of style as firearms became more widely available in the 17th century and plate armor became obsolete. Even though flamberge swords were extinct, the wavy blade style lived on in the flame-bladed sword.
This flame-bladed sword retained almost all of the benefits of the flamberge. These were the ability to slice through armored clothing and flesh without becoming trapped in the body, and the ability to better deflect an attacker’s weapon.
However, the flame-bladed sword provided an additional benefit: The design of the sword made it possible to stop the opponent’s sword and then grab it with leather gloves to strike the opponent without the person being able to parry. However, the use of a flame-bladed sword still made serious injuries likely.
As time went on, the flame-bladed sword became the standard for contract killers and professional duelists.
But because of their complexity and great cost, the flame-bladed swords were never mass-produced. The use of flame-bladed swords lasted until the early 18th century, when it eventually died out.
Weapons Similar to Flamberge
Flamberge Rapier
Three types of German flamberge swords from the 19th century, imitating the early 16th century types. On the right is a flamberge rapier.
Swords of the Renaissance era included the flamberge rapier. The sword was inspired by the Spanish espada ropera, which was the preferred weapon of the upper class in the 16th and 17th centuries.
During the Renaissance era, one of the most notable swords was the flamberge rapier, which drew inspiration from the Spanish espada ropera sword. This particular sword (which also had a slightly wavy blade) was favored by the upper class in the 16th-17th centuries.
Despite its more common associations with dueling and style, the European military made extensive use of the flamberge rapier.
The blade of the flamberge rapier is shaped like a raging flame and is made of high-carbon steel. The hilt is made of steel, while the handle is often made of wood wrapped in leather and topped with twisted copper wire.
During the late 15th century, mercenary infantry played a crucial role in the proliferation of flamberge swords, including condottieri and landsknechts. These soldiers often wielded zweihänder swords, known as “two-handers” in German, with some even using flammenschwert, or flame-bladed swords, which featured undulating blades like a flamberge.
Flamberge Dagger
Flamberge parrying dagger, ca. 1550–75, Italian.
In order to provide a more secure grasp when used in conjunction with a rapier, the flamberge dagger has been outfitted with a side ring, recurved quillons, and a depression at the base of one side of the blade.
The waves on the flamberge dagger’s blade allow it to absorb some of the force of a strike from an adversary’s blade. The piercing on the fullers (the grooves) is a design element.
The flamberge dagger was held in the left hand, with the sword held in the right. It is around 0.94 lbs (425 g). The blade was forged between 1550 and 1575.
Basket-Hilted Flamberge Sword
Flamberge basket-hilted sword from Portugal.
When this basket-hilted flamberge sword was made between 1625 and 1650, its inscription read, “I fight for the Fatherland.” This sword is from Portugal, and it has a one-handed design. There are not many flamberges with cross-shaped guards, let alone basket hilts. So, they are rare.
Moving on, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has another type of this sword on display (below). The blade is silver and ornamented in the English style with other elements of steel and wood.
It is dated to the year 1662, and the portrait on the hilt is believed to show the recently killed King Charles I in 1649. Swords with English hilts like this are known as “funeral swords”.
Basket-hilted flamberge sword with English hilt. (Metmuseum)
Johannes Wundes the Younger produced this basket-hilted flamberge sword. He was from Germany (Solingen) and was active in the mid-17th century.
Kris Sword
Madurese Kris sword with sheath. (Image: MetMuseum)
Also known as the Malay kris, the kris sword likewise has a wavy blade. The weapon has gained popularity across Southeast Asia and is conceptually very similar to the flamberge. Traditional ceremonial daggers of this kind continue to be produced today. The one above is from the 18th–19th centuries of Madurese culture in Madura, Jawa Timur. It is 18.4 inches (46.7 cm) in length.
Hand-and-a-Half Flamberge Sword
A hand-and-a-half type of flamberge sword, 16th century, German.
Hand-and-a-half swords are a hybrid between one-handed and two-handed swords. When it comes to swords with flamberge blades, this type of design is not unheard of. There are examples of hand-and-a-half flamberge swords in a wide range of public and private collections. This one was produced in the 1570s by a German or Swiss weaponsmith.
Swords with incised grooves at the base of the blade, on the unsharpened part (“ricasso”), always belong to the XIX type in the Oakeshott typology.
Spadone With a Flamberge Blade
Just like a few other examples, there are types of swords that are converted into flamberge swords with special sharpening. Spadone (an Italian longsword) is one of them. As we already see, a flame-bladed or wave-bladed weapon can be in any shape, and the flamberge is one example.
Spadone is longer than longswords but lighter than greatswords. It is of Italian origin, and its blade, grip, and pommel are all longer than a greatsword. It has ricasso quillons, which are two small spikes set a hand’s length from the crossbar.
Messer Sword with a Flamberge Blade
A messer sword with a flamberge-type blade.
Flamberge swords came in both straight and curved varieties. The Germanic Landsknecht mercenaries used two-handed sabers called “gross messers,” like the one seen here.
The placement of the teeth on the saber’s blade reveals its method of sharpening. From the looks of it, this particular gross messer has been sharpened to a one and a half. That is, about a quarter of the blade’s lethality comes from its opposite side.
History of the Flamberge Sword
The emergence of flame-bladed swords like the flamberge was contingent on a variety of factors. The crusader knights learned to use sabers, curved-blade weapons common in North Africa and the Holy Land, as early as the period of the first crusades, at the end of the 11th century.
A light Mongolian saber—also known as the Turko-Mongol saber—made its way to Europe at the time of Genghis Khan’s expeditions, about the middle of the 13th century. Additionally, it was discovered that curved swords of the same weight outperformed straight swords in terms of striking power. However, curved-bladed cold weapons were rarely used by Europeans.
Flamberge swords on a rack.
There were a few different factors at play here. To begin with, a heavy slicing sword had more impact strength than a light saber, and superior-grade steel armor was almost impenetrable to sabers.
It was also impossible for European weaponsmiths to create a saber with the same impact strength as a heavy sword, despite their best efforts. Because the sword’s original strength was drastically diminishing. Turkish weaponsmiths found a partial solution by adding a large yalman (or yelman)—the upper part of the saber near the tip—to their kilij and pala swords.
In addition, the Western European fencing school had begun to include piercing skills, for which the saber was far less suited than the sword. The fact that many confrontations took place in narrow places (the streets of towns, residences, and castles) further contributed to the saber’s decline in popularity.
The chopping sword was rendered almost worthless.
It was not until the development of metallurgy and the knightly armors in the 14th through 16th centuries that a chopping sword was rendered almost worthless on the battlefield. Three to five chopping strikes were necessary to break through the armor, and this was only conceivable in a one-on-one conflict.
The situation became dire enough that weaponsmiths started looking for alternatives. For instance, this may be seen in the development of “armor-piercing” swords like the estoc (known as panzerstecher or “tank breaker” in German), as well as the koncerz sword of Polish-Lithuanians.
At this time, the use of armor-piercing axes like the horseman’s pick proliferated across Europe and Asia. Spears and other shock-crushing weapons became more prominent in battles against armed soldiers.
They kept coming back to the concept of a curved sword, and the flamberge sword emerged.
Even though horseman’s picks were still in use, sovnya and bear spears were the weapons of choice for Russian warriors when facing heavily armed knights or other opponents with superior weaponry. Another weapon of choice was the pernach mace for its high hit rate.
The Taborites—a religious Hussite movement in the Czech Republic—used battle flails to defeat the opponent knights. Therefore, they kept coming back to the concept of a curved sword. The messer sword was specifically one such weapon.
At the end of the 15th century, the concept of using multiple bends to create a flame-shaped (or wave-shaped) sword emerged. However, it wasn’t until the middle of the 16th century in Germany (likely in the southern region) that blades in the shape of the flamberge sword appeared as a legitimate military weapon.
Flamberge Sword in Popular Culture
Flamberge Kirby (video game): Flamberge, also known as the Blazing General and the Bringer of Flame, is a minor adversary who appeared in the Kirby Star Allies video game from Nintendo. In combat, she wields a flamberge sword.
Dom Manuel (novel): The protagonist of James Branch Cabell’s Biography of the Life of Manuel (1901–1929) novel series is depicted with the flamberge sword.
Prince Valiant (comic strip): Prince Valiant uses his mighty Singing Sword to battle the Huns; a witch in a 1939 comic identifies it as the famous Flamberge, a magical sword presumably crafted by the same enchanter who fashioned Excalibur.
Elden Ring (video game): The beloved video game, which features 308 weapons, also features the flamberge sword with the description, “Greatsword featuring a flame-like undulation, Shreds enemy flesh, inducing blood loss.“
Flamberge Sword at a Glance
What is a flamberge sword?
A flamberge sword is a type of sword with a wavy, flame-shaped blade, designed as a two-handed edged weapon, sometimes used one-handed or hand-and-a-half. It was widely used in Europe, especially in Switzerland and Germany, during the 15th and 17th centuries.
What advantages did a flamberge sword have over traditional swords?
The flamberge sword was advantageous because its blade significantly reduced the striking surface upon contact with the target. The concentrated force of the wavy blade’s impact made the curved edge superior for cutting, while the waves were more likely to break through armor and other tough objects. When used to stab an opponent, a flamberge sword was far more effective than a traditional sword, and wounds from a flamberge sword always healed worse than conventional swords because of the unusual sharpening of the blade.
What were the drawbacks of the flamberge sword?
The flamberge sword was less durable and heavier than a conventional sword. Blades having an undulated pattern were more likely to shatter upon application or reflection of force since the metal was stressed in many zones (one for each half-wave). At negative half-waves, the blade’s hardened edge operated in tension to a higher degree than usual.
What were flamberge swords used for, and when did they go out of style?
Mercenary infantry, such as condottieri and landsknechts, used flamberge swords in the late 15th century. They were known for their undulating, “flame-bladed” design, and were used in battle for their ability to slice through armored clothing and flesh without becoming trapped in the body, and their ability to better deflect an attacker’s weapon. Flamberge swords were relatively uncommon owing to their exorbitant price, but their value was immediately recognized. The Thirty Years’ War saw a surge in demand for flamberge swords. Flamberge swords were still used in battle far into the 17th century, even after straight two-handed swords had fallen out of favor. The flamberge sword went out of style as firearms became more widely available in the 17th century and plate armor became obsolete.
What is a flamberge rapier?
The flamberge rapier was a sword that was favored by the upper class in the 16th-17th centuries. The blade of the flamberge rapier is shaped like a raging flame and is made of high-carbon steel. Despite its more common associations with dueling and style, the European military made extensive use of the flamberge rapier. The hilt is made of steel, while the handle is often made of wood wrapped in leather and topped with twisted copper wire. It drew inspiration from the Spanish espada ropera sword, which was the preferred weapon of the upper class in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The misericorde dagger, also referred to as the “dagger of mercy,” had its origins in the 12th century and was primarily employed to bring a merciful end to the life of a fatally wounded knight. This was because the knife of this edged weapon was just narrow enough to go through the gaps and cracks in the armor. The misericorde dagger, or mercy dagger, was a sort of long and narrow dagger often used by knights and warriors in the Middle Ages, namely the 14th and 15th centuries. Around this time the rondel dagger appeared as a variation of the misericorde with a thicker blade used for fighting.
A Symbol of Swift Death
In his tomb effigy, Bolko II the Small is believed to have held a misericorde dagger. (File:A 1989)
Misericorde was designed to be a stabbing weapon, used on a wounded enemy who could no longer fight, to end their suffering quickly and humanely. This included the wounded horses on the battlefield.
As such, the poets of the medieval ages associated the murderous misericorde with “pity,” using it as a symbol of kindness. The weapon’s name has its roots in the Latin word miseria, “wretchedness.”
History of the Misericorde Dagger
A misericorde dagger in the Meyers Konversations-Lexikon. 1908, S. 896. (Source)
The word misericorde comes from the French miséricorde (“mercy”), which in turn is derived from the Latin word misericordia, which means “act of mercy.” The French called it a coup de grâce, the “blow of mercy.”
The misericorde dagger did not become an integral part of military armor until the later Middle Ages, during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was widely used throughout Europe until the early 17th century.
The Knightly Order of the Hospitallers used the misericorde the most often since it was a piece of mandatory equipment. When complete plate armor was no longer used, the misericorde was phased out in favor of daggers with a larger blade that could also be used for slashing and cutting.
Before the 13th century, depictions of this cold weapon in manuscripts and sculptures were very uncommon, and when they did appear, they almost always depicted the misericorde being used in warfare.
During the Crusades and throughout the Middle Ages, the Misericorde dagger was a crucial weapon for dispatching wounded foes.
In the event of an injury during a jousting contest, a knight may use the dagger to end the match and save more bloodshed.
Created in Paris in the mid-1240s for Louis IX of France, in the Morgan Bible, daggers and misericordes are nearly as common as swords in various war scenes, but the text gives no indication of how they were worn in times of peace.
Knights with dagger, possibly misericorde daggers or rondel daggers, around 1400. (Source)
In the Charter of Arras (of a French town), written in 1221, the term “misericorde” occurs for the first time in connection with daggers:
“Quicumque cultellum cum cuspide, vel curtam sphatulam, vel misericordiam, vel aliqua arma multritoria portaverit”
Charter of Arras, 1221.
In 1302 and 1303, the French chronicler Guillaume Guiart uses the same term to refer to the dagger once again:
“Plusieurs piétons François ala, Qui pour prisonniers n’ont pas cordes, Mais coutiaux et misericordes, Dont on doit servir en tiex festes.”
Guillaume Guiart, 1302.
Description of the Misericorde Dagger
The misericorde dagger possessed a long blade with a cross section that was flat, triangular, or square and a round, disc-shaped handguard.
Because of its length, experts and historians sometimes refer to the weapon as a short sword rather than a dagger. 8–16 inches (20–40 cm) was a common range for the length of a misericorde.
The blade was lozenge-shaped or triangular. The weapon was a typical product of the weaponsmiths. The framework was strong but rather thin, allowing strikes to pass through the cracks in the armor.
It was small enough to stow away discreetly and deadly enough to end the life of a wounded foe in an instant.
In the misericorde dagger, the handle is worked differently. The handguard was designed with a round plate shape, which was also present at the pommel. This handguard served as both the hilt and the handle.
This made it possible to keep hold of the dagger despite attempts to dislodge it and reduced the blade’s tendency to slide during a stroke.
The misericordes can be broken down into two categories: fighting knives with a single edge and daggers with two edges. The prominence of ornamental elements is another distinguishing feature of this weapon compared to other daggers.
Misericorde vs. Stiletto
Unlike misericorde, stilettos always come with a crossguard and a small hilt. End of 19th century Italy.
A stiletto, a small dagger with a triangle portion often employed as an assassin’s weapon or for self-defense, is not to be confused with the misericorde dagger. Stilettos feature a triangle blade and a thinner overall profile than misericordes, which often have a thicker blade with a rounder pommel.
While both stilettos and misericordes are considered daggers, there are key distinctions between the two. Stilettos were developed in the late 15th century, during the Renaissance. But in the 12th century, misericordes were already in use to humanely kill a wounded knight or animal.
Therefore, it is believed that stilettos were developed from misericordes to be a longer and narrower dagger; hence, they were favored by medieval assassins. There was also a “rondel dagger” with larger blades used from the 14th century onward.
Both misericordes and stilettos are designed to pierce tough materials like armor or heavy clothes with their long, thin blades and sharp, pointed tips. The design of their blades allows them to more easily slip between armor plates and into crucial body parts. They are mostly distinguished by their size, blade, and purpose of usage.
Distribution of Misericorde
Misericorde first emerged in the arsenals of Germany, Persia, and England in the 12th century. The weapon was used in the Holy Roman Empire and in many areas of Europe. They were in the armament of the German, English troops.
In Japan, they’ve been using a weapon similar to the misericorde since the 11th century. In the early 12th century, it reached its zenith of popularity, earning the moniker “eron toshi” (literally “destroyer of knightly armor”).
It was carried in the left hand and slung over the right hip, behind the belt. The warriors were taught a unique style of combat while wearing the “eron-kumi-uti” armor. It took practice to utilize the dagger effectively while maintaining control of the opponent with one hand.
Significance of the Misericorde Dagger
In the past, not everyone agreed with the decision to use the misericorde. According to some, using such a weapon to carry out a mercy killing was immoral and violated the chivalric code of honor. But others claimed that it was a technique that should be used sparingly and only when absolutely required since it helped stop the agony of injured warriors.
Modern audiences for the misericorde dagger are mostly academics and collectors of medieval blades. Some specimens of this object date back to the 14th century, making it an extremely uncommon and expensive find. Today, the misericorde dagger is still widely recognized as a potent emblem of medieval chivalry and combat.
Misericorde Dagger in Popular Culture
The misericorde dagger has made appearances in many media throughout the spectrum of popular culture.
Inspired by the misericorde dagger and stiletto, Arya Stark wields a little sword known as Needle in George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novel and the TV series Game of Thrones.
There is a book named “Misericorde,” also known as “Mercy Series Book One,” by Cynthia A. Morgan, which was published in 2020.
The Misericorde dagger is an uncommon weapon used in the action role-playing video game Elden Ring.
The Misericorde Dagger at a Glance
What is the origin of the Misericorde dagger?
The Misericorde, also known as the “dagger of mercy,” was originally designed in the 12th century as a long and narrow dagger that was primarily used to bring a merciful end to the life of a fatally wounded knight. The word Misericorde comes from the Latin word “misericordia” meaning “act of mercy” and later adopted by the French as “miséricorde.”
What were the primary uses of Misericorde during the Middle Ages?
The Misericorde dagger was primarily used in the Middle Ages to end the suffering of fatally wounded knights or their horses on the battlefield. It was also used during jousting contests to end a match in the event of an injury, and it was mandatory equipment for the Knightly Order of the Hospitallers. The Misericorde was phased out in favor of daggers with a larger blade that could be used for slashing and cutting.
How is Misericorde dagger different from Stiletto?
Misericorde and Stiletto are both considered daggers, but there are key differences between the two. While Misericorde has a long blade with a cross-section that is flat, triangular, or square and a round, disc-shaped handguard, Stiletto has a triangle blade with a small hilt and a crossguard. Misericorde was primarily used for merciful killing of wounded knights, while Stiletto was employed as an assassin’s weapon or for self-defense.
A cold weapon with a warhead in the shape of a blade fixed to the handle is referred to as an edged weapon. An edged weapon is also known as a bladed weapon. The edged weapons include swords, knives, rapiers, daggers, and sabers. The tip of some polearms, such as glaives, is fashioned like a blade, but despite this, it is not categorized as an edged weapon but as a thrusting weapon.
Blade Length in Edged Weapons
The blade is an elongated metal warhead whose specifications affect the specifics of the damage done. Edged weapons may chop, slash, pierce, pierce-cut, or chop-cut depending on the form of the blade and the composition of the tip and blades.
When it comes to length, there are three main blade lengths for the edged weapons:
Short-bladed: Up to 12 in (30 cm)
Medium-bladed: 12 to 20 in (30 to 50 cm)
Long-bladed: Longer than 20 in (50 cm)
History of Edged Weapons
The knife was the first weapon to include a blade. In other words, it was the first edged weapon in history. Swords and daggers followed. A group of researchers from Rome University uncovered nine edged weapons from 3300 BC in the 1980s. The experts concluded that the Arslantepe swords were the earliest and oldest swords ever found. An arsenic and copper alloy were used to create them.
The mechanical advantage of single-edged swords over double-edged ones made them ideal for use in equine combat. In the 7th century, the swords developed a little curve that led to the creation of sabers.
The curve gave the edged swords better striking power than traditional swords, especially when riding on a horse. By the 13th century, they had spread over most of Asia and Eastern Europe, where they ultimately replaced most other edged weapons.
Once the stabbing qualities of swords were improved, the first small swords and later rapiers emerged in Europe in the 15th century.
Types of Edged Weapons
The classification of edged weapons is done according to their form and function. Throughout history, several edged weapons have been given definitive names:
The combat knife predates all other edged weapons because of its ability to pierce and cut. Since the Upper Paleolithic period (40,000–10,000 BC), we have known mostly about stone knives used for cutting. Copper, bronze, iron, and eventually steel knives with a piercing edge developed much later.
Almost every culture throughout history has used and continues to use combat knives. Their size usually varies between 10 and 12 inches.
Dagger
Belt knives and daggers.
A dagger has a short to medium 2-sided blade that can pierce armor and cut through clothing. The blade might have a straight or curved profile.
The length of a dagger may vary from 5 to 12 inches. Compared to daggers, knives are much more compact in design. The blade of a dagger normally has a single, sharp edge.
A dagger is distinct from a knife in that it is designed only for use in battle and not as a cutting tool. Two-edged daggers appeared here and there as well.
Stiletto
A stiletto is a kind of dagger with a short to medium, faceted or circular blade that is used for piercing. The length of a typical stiletto was about 12 inches (30 cm).
The stiletto is a direct descendant of the misericorde (“dagger of mercy”) carried by medieval knights into combat. It was designed to break through the weak spots in the knight’s armor and kill him while he was dismounted.
Various cultures made use of and adapted this kind of weapon. However, its tiny size made it ideal for covert operations. The Japanese kanzashi, for instance, was an edged weapon in the form of a hairpin.
Dirk
A dirk is a piercing weapon with a rhombic-shaped blade that is either short or medium in length. True dirks are the only edged weapons that fit this category. The length of a dirk can reach all the way up to 20 inches but not smaller than 12 inches. In other words, they are longer than knives, daggers, and stilettos but shorter than swords.
Scottish settlers in the 1700s brought the dirk to the United States. This weapon had a single edge at first, but by 1745, two edges became the norm. Dirks were often fashioned from dismantled swords.
Sword
Swords with basket hilt.
A sword is a two-edged stabbing and slashing weapon with a medium- to long-length straight blade. The Arslantepe swords from 3300 BC are the oldest swords ever found, and they are made of arsenic and copper alloy. Bronze swords from the 2nd millennium BC are also one of the first known examples of this edged weapon.
However, in other societies, bone and wooden swords with stone blades are documented as well, which may have been the forerunners of metal swords.
Swords combined the features of knives and axes. Over the centuries, some swords have become primarily designed for thrusting, while others are designed for cutting. This led to the emergence of new types of swords and other types of edged weapons. The length of an average sword is 30 inches (75 cm), while the weight is 2.5 lbs (1 kg).
Basket-Hilted Sword
A basket-hilted sword.
The basket-hilted sword is a sword-like weapon with a single, long, straight blade used for piercing and cutting. This edged weapon’s hilt was occasionally inclined to the axis of the blade to maximize effectiveness when used by cavalry.
The blade length of most basket hilt swords was between 32 and 36 inches. Including the hilt, the overall length of the sword might be anywhere from 39 to 45 inches.
In the past, the basket-hilted sword was occasionally used to describe a weapon with two blades or a curved shape; however, this is no longer the case. The 16th-century basket-hilted sword was widely used by heavy cavalry up to the time of Napoleon. It thereafter fell out of favor until the early 19th century.
Saber
A saber is a weapon with a long, curved blade, the “convex” side of which is used for cutting and stabbing. Curving the blade provided the sword with better cutting qualities, increasing its efficacy, and this alteration apparently occurred by chance.
Nomads in Eastern Europe and Central Asia likely came up with the saber at the same time since they were one of the earliest cavalries in history.
Turkic and Mongolic nomads of the Eurasian steppes used “Turko-Mongol sabers” between the 8th and 14th centuries. The length of their blades was between 30 and 40 inches (75 and 100 cm). The Avar cemetery in Romania contained the oldest discovered sabers from the 650s AD.
A shashka is a long, single-edged weapon used for cutting and chopping. The blades of the leppa and katana are all very similar to those of the shashka. It is a backsword with one blade and no guard.
The shashka is a hybrid weapon that combines elements of both a straight sword and a curved saber. The slightly bent blade can be used for cutting or thrusting with equal efficiency.
The most prevalent shashkas are without bows (Caucasian and Asian kinds), but there are also shashkas with bows (dragoon type) that seem like sabers but aren’t.
Small Sword
French smallsword with scabbard, c. 1780. (metmuseum.org)
The small sword is a sword with a long, straight blade that may have anywhere from one to four edges, with a well-developed hilt that is used for stabbing and cutting. The small sword was there because it was more effective for stabbing.
They are thinner and lighter than regular swords and are often preferred during duels.
Small swords typically have blades that are between 24 and 33 inches (60 and 85 cm) in length. Used by Polish-Lithuanian hussars in the Renaissance period, the koncerz is another kind of small sword.
Rapier
Rapier next to a sword-like dagger.
The blade of a rapier is long and straight and has some elasticity, while the guard is often cup-shaped. Rapiers were derived from swords. The Italian instructor Rocco Bonetti arrived in England in 1570 and promoted thrusting with the rapier rather than cutting or slashing in duels.
Rapiers are one of the longest types of edged weapons. Most rapiers have an average blade length of 41 inches (104 cm). Their blades can be single- or double-edged.
Fascine Knife
The fascine knife is a single-edged weapon with a medium-size blade that can be used for chopping, cutting, and stabbing. They are on the shorter side of the edged weapons.
Fascine knives may have highly distinctive blade forms, but their primary function is to deliver chopping strokes. The European fascine knife evolved from a shattered sword or saber blade when it was forged into a shorter and thicker one.
Despite its shorter but thicker blade, the fascine knife replaced the axe or other heavy weapons in northeastern Europe. Their blade size is usually around 25 inches (64 cm).
Weapons such as the falchion, machete, kopis sword (Ancient Greek), makhaira sword (Ancient Greek), falcata (pre-Roman Iberia), parang knife (Malay archipelago), kukri knife (Nepal), and golok sword (Malay archipelago) are all examples of the fascine knife.
The yatagan (yatağan in Turkish) is a knife-like weapon with a straight or double-curved blade that is sharpened on the interior for stabbing and slicing. The name derives from “laying” in Turkish, meaning “putting to bed with eternal sleep”. The Uruk-Hai in The Lord of the Rings were armed with yatagan, albeit rather modified ones.
In yatagan, blade width is typically consistent. Yatagans with a wider blade near the tip are rather rare. The design of the yatagan assures a “raking” movement that would cut and slice more effectively. Yatagan is a specific type of edged weapon, just like a saber or dirk.
Bayonet
The bayonet is a knife or sword that is affixed to the end of a handgun’s barrel and is used for stabbing or stabbing-cutting. This edged weapon made its debut in the 17th century. Bayonets, like other edged weapons, may come in a variety of forms, such as plug, socket, or sword bayonets.
Edged Weapons at a Glance
What are the three main blade lengths for edged weapons?
The three main blade lengths for edged weapons are short-bladed (up to 12 in or 30 cm), medium-bladed (12 to 20 in or 30 to 50 cm), and long-bladed (longer than 20 in or 50 cm).
What is the history of edged weapons?
The history of edged weapons dates back to the Upper Paleolithic period (40,000–10,000 BC) with stone knives used for cutting. Copper, bronze, iron, and eventually steel knives with a piercing edge developed much later. Swords and daggers followed, with the oldest swords ever found being the Arslantepe swords from 3300 BC made of arsenic and copper alloy. Over time, different types of edged weapons emerged, including the saber and rapier.
What are some types of edged weapons?
Some types of edged weapons include the combat knife, dagger, stiletto, dirk, and sword. The combat knife predates all other edged weapons, while a dagger is designed only for use in battle and not as a cutting tool. The stiletto is a type of dagger with a short to medium, faceted or circular blade that is used for piercing. A dirk is a piercing weapon with a rhombic-shaped blade, while a sword is a two-edged stabbing and slashing weapon with a medium- to long-length straight blade.
What is the difference between a dagger and a knife?
A dagger is distinct from a knife in that it is designed only for use in battle and not as a cutting tool. Daggers have a short to medium 2-sided blade that can pierce armor and cut through clothing, while knives are much more compact in design and their blade normally has a single, sharp edge.
The harpe sword (ἅρπη) was a cold weapon or agricultural tool known to be often mentioned in Greek mythology but not positively identified in archaeological finds. Originally shown as a basic sickle or billhook, the harpe evolved into a short, straight-bladed sword from which a second hook-shaped blade sprang out at the point.
By the 4th century BC, this new fashion of sword, often termed the “falchion,” had become a characteristic feature of Perseus or, in Rome, of Saturn (Kronos), and it also appeared in Mithraic initiation ceremonies throughout imperial times. The harpe sword is the weapon that killed Medusa.
It’s also known as the Sword of Perseus.
The Etymology of the Harpe Sword
The meaning of the harpe sword is connected to the Latin verbs “sarpo” and “sarpio” which mean “to prune,” and also the Greek verb “harpazo” (to tear away in haste, to pillage).
Latin authors likewise made use of the Greek term harpe without providing a translation. About Perseus, Germanicus says, “Aeschylus tells that he received from Vulcan an indestructible harpe”.
According to Greek grammar, one can observe the accusative ending in “n” rather than in “m” in the Greek version of the sentence. Like in Italian, the original name for harpe was “arpa.” Calabrese speakers in Italy still use the word “arpa” to refer to a hay sickle.
The Origin of the Harpe Sword
The harpe sword Cronos used to castrate his father. A drawing inspired by classic stonework.
Unfortunately, we lack reliable archaeological evidence to determine the precise origin of the harpe sword. For example, the makhaira, a concave-cut saber common among Greek cavalry forces, is thought to have evolved from the “falchion” style of the harpe sword, which in turn may have originated in the East, specifically in the Egyptian sword-sickle known as the khopesh.
The Harpe Sword in Mythology
The harpe sword is an edged weapon that appears often in Greek mythology. It is stated that the harpe sword was always effective even if the foe was a god or a monster that could never die.
Kronos (Saturn) uses it to make his father Uranus feel weak and helpless through emasculation. Zeus wields it in the Gigantomachia against Typhon. Hermes used it to defeat Argus Panoptes, while Heracles used the harpe sword to defeat the Lernaean Hydra.
According to most accounts, the harpe sword was crafted from an indestructible substance called adamantine,” which literally means “unbreakable” in Greek. This means that anguiform (“shaped like a snake”) monsters are the primary target for this “magical” weapon. Zeus orders one harpe sword made by Hephaestus and gives it to Perseus so he can use it to kill the Gorgon Medusa.
The Stories of the Harpe Sword
Kronos
Kronos with his son and his harpe scythe. Giovanni Francesco Romanelli, 17th century.
Uranus controlled the cosmos with an iron fist, but his harsh treatment of his offspring inspired his wife Gaia to plot an insurrection against him. Angry because Uranus had imprisoned her children in Tartarus, Gaia, the goddess of the Earth, plotted with his titan son Kronos to end Uranus’s reign.
Gaia begged her sons, the titans, to overthrow their father Uranus, who was causing them much misery, and she forged the harpe sword out of adamant, a mythological metal that is very hard.
Kronos, one of Gaia’s sons, was the only one who dared try to overthrow his father. Kronos took the harpe, a curved sword with a keen edge that Gaia had given him, and castrated his father Uranus, removing him from his position as god of the heavens.
Perseus
Perseus confronting Phineus with the head of Medusa. (Wikimedia Commons)
A monster with snakes for hair and a gaze that could turn humans to stone, the Gorgon Medusa was the target of Perseus’ vengeance in Greek mythology. Perseus received the adamantine harpe sword as a gift from Zeus. The sword was crafted by the blacksmith of the gods, Hephaestus.
Hermes’ sandals gave Perseus the ability to fly, while Athena’s mirror shield protected him from the gaze of Medusa.
Perseus, sneaking up on Medusa as she slept, reflected her face in his polished bronze shield. Keeping his eyes directly away from her face, he decapitated her with the harpe sword. As he severed her head, the winged horse Pegasus and the giant Chrysaor with a golden sword emerged from her body.
Zeus
Feared by gods and humans alike, Typhon was a terrible serpentine monster with wings, snake heads, and the ability to breathe fire in Greek mythology. In the fight between Zeus and Typhon, Zeus finally emerged as the winner.
Zeus tried to kill Typhon with thunderbolts at first, but the monster was too strong for him. The gods, with the exception of Zeus, fled to Egypt when Typhon eventually assaulted the heavens.
Zeus reengaged Typhon in combat, this time wielding the harpe sword. Zeus eventually defeated Typhon by cutting off his numerous heads with his new sword and the assistance of other gods, including Hermes and Pan. After this, no other deity could challenge Zeus for supremacy thanks to the harpe sword.
Hermes
Hermes with harpe sword and Argus Panoptes by Jan van Kessel the Elder (1626-1679).
The gigantic Argus Panoptes could not be approached stealthily because he had a hundred eyes strategically placed all over his body. Hera, the queen of the gods, tasked Argus with protecting the cow Io, a human lady whom Zeus had turned into a cow in order to protect her from Hera’s jealousy.
Hermes, Zeus’ son and messenger deity, was thereafter sent by Zeus to end Argus’ guardianship over Io. Hermes (Mercury), pretending to be a shepherd, approached the huge Argus and started playing his flute to put him to sleep. Hermes then used his words and music to slowly put each of Argus’s hundred eyes to sleep.
When Hermes saw that all of Argus’ eyes were shut, he quickly severed his head with a harpe sword. Hera, distraught by the loss of her devoted servant, stole Argus’ eyes and affixed them to the peacock, which afterward became her beloved animal.
Heracles
One of the many heads of the Lernaean Hydra was immortal, making it a terrifying serpent. Heracles was given the responsibility of killing the Hydra by King Eurystheus as one of his Twelve Labors because the monster was wreaking havoc on the land.
Heracles fought his way into Hydra’s cave and proceeded to lop off the monster’s heads with the harpe sword. On the other hand, whenever he severed one of the heads, two more sprouted in its place. Heracles soon recognized that he could not use traditional methods to fight the Hydra.
Then he devised a strategy, recruiting his nephew Iolaus to assist him. Heracles killed the hydra by severing its heads with his sword, while Iolaus used a flame to cauterize the wounds and stop any new heads from forming. Heracles buried the immortal head in the earth and rolled a huge rock on top of it so it couldn’t come back to the surface.
Harpe Sword at a Glance
What is the harpe sword in Greek mythology?
The harpe sword is a short, straight-bladed weapon from which a second hook-shaped blade springs out at the point. It appears often in Greek mythology and was used by the gods to defeat monsters and other gods. The harpe sword is the weapon that killed Medusa.
What is the origin of the harpe sword?
Unfortunately, there is no reliable archaeological evidence that can determine the precise origin of the harpe sword. The makhaira, a concave-cut saber common among Greek cavalry forces, is thought to have evolved from the “falchion” style of the harpe sword, which in turn may have originated in the East, specifically in the Egyptian sword-sickle known as the khopesh.
What is the meaning of the term “harpe”?
The meaning of the harpe sword is connected to the Latin verbs “sarpo” and “sarpio” which mean “to prune,” and also the Greek verb “harpazo” (to tear away in haste, to pillage). The original name for harpe was “arpa.” Calabrese speakers in Italy still use the word “arpa” to refer to a hay sickle.
References
René Menard (1991). Greco-Roman mythology. 2nd ed.
