A 3,000-year-old sword in an impressive state of preservation has been unearthed by archaeologists in Nördlingen, Bavaria, shedding light on the mysteries of the Bronze Age.
A team of archaeologists made an astonishing discovery when they uncovered a Bronze Age sword in such immaculate condition that it still gleams. The sword’s preservation is extraordinary, found alongside the remains of a man, a woman, and a child in a burial site in the city of Nördlingen, Bavaria. A statement from the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection reveals the connection between the trio is yet to be clarified.
The Ancient Sword’s Unique Characteristics
The unearthed weapon sports an octagonal bronze handle that has acquired a green tint from the oxidation of copper, a key component of bronze, upon exposure to air and water. Dating back to the late 14th century BC, the discovery is quite peculiar. According to the research team, most Middle Bronze Age tombs have been pillaged over thousands of years, making such a well-preserved find remarkable.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Octagonal Sword
Manufacturing octagonal swords required the mastery of skilled blacksmiths. The handle, decorated with two rivets, was affixed to the blade through a process known as overlap casting. Strikingly, the blade doesn’t show any visible signs of wear or cuts, hinting at its possible use as a ceremonial or symbolic item. Nevertheless, the sword’s front-end center of gravity suggests it could have served as an efficient weapon in combat.
Germany has two known octagonal sword production areas – one in the south and the other spanning northern Germany and Denmark. The origin of this newly discovered sword remains a mystery.
Anticipation for Further Examination
“The sword and the burial site still require further study for a more precise classification,” said Mathias Pfeil, head of the Bavarian State Monument Protection Office, in a statement. “However, one thing is certain: the condition is extraordinary! Such a find is exceedingly rare!”
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