Was the 800 Year Old Sword Found? A Deep Dive into Ancient Discoveries
Yes, a sword believed to be at least 800 years old was indeed found! This incredible discovery occurred in 2021 when divers exploring the Mediterranean Sea came across the remarkably preserved weapon lying on the sandy seafloor. This find is just one fascinating example in a rich history of sword discoveries. This article will explore not only the details of this specific find, but also delve into the broader world of ancient swords, their origins, and what makes them so captivating to archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike.
The Crusader Sword: A Tale from the Depths
The 800-year-old sword, also referred to as a 900-year-old Crusader sword, was recovered off the coast of Haifa, Israel. It’s a one-meter (3.3ft) blade, heavily encrusted with marine organisms, indicating its long stay submerged in the sea. The discovery was made by Shlomi Katzin, an Israeli diver who stumbled upon the sword during an exploration of the seabed. Katzin carefully brought the sword ashore and turned it over to the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA).
The age of the sword places it within the era of the Crusades (1095-1291). The presence of stone and metal anchors, as well as fragments of pottery, in the area further confirms this. The discovery provides tangible evidence of the naval activity that once transpired in these waters, likely a result of clashes and battles between the different factions vying for control of the region. The sword, thought to have been flung overboard during a naval engagement, highlights the often brutal nature of medieval warfare.
What Made the Sword Appear After So Many Years?
The sword’s long slumber in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea was interrupted by the shifting sands. It is believed that the movement of the seafloor, likely due to currents or other natural processes, caused the sword to be exposed. Marine organisms, attaching to the metal over the centuries, have created a natural protective shell on the sword’s surface, and contributed to its preservation.
The Broader World of Ancient Swords
While the Crusader sword is a remarkable find, it is part of a larger story about the evolution of swords as tools of war and symbols of power. The earliest swords were not the sleek, refined blades we might imagine, but rather sturdy, often crude weapons of bronze or copper.
The First Swords: Bronze Age Origins
The earliest known “swords” date back to around 3300 BC, during the early Bronze Age. These weapons, found in Arslantepe, Turkey, were made of arsenical bronze and measure about 60 cm (24 inches) in length. Some of these early examples were even inlaid with silver, demonstrating that even at this early stage, care and craftsmanship were put into their making. These initial swords from Arslantepe, are considered by many to be the oldest type of sword ever found, offering an impressive window into the early days of weapon technology and design.
The Evolution of the Sword
Swords have changed over time in response to shifts in technology, combat styles and available resources. From leaf-shaped blades with simple handle extensions during the Bronze Age to the more complex hilted Roman swords, and on into the middle ages when different types of weapons served varying functions. The sword evolved in terms of design, length, and weight.
Swords of Different Cultures
Different cultures developed distinct styles of swords. For instance, the Roman spatha was a long, straight sword used by legionaries, and found near the Dead Sea. In contrast, large Japanese dako swords were found in tombs, indicating they had symbolic significance that went beyond combat. The Sword of Goujian, an extremely well-preserved Chinese sword from 2,400 years ago, showed the high quality of ancient metallurgy. The best preserved sword is the Cawood Sword, discovered in a river in the late 1800’s, still showing detailed wording.
Why These Discoveries Matter
The discovery of ancient swords offers a number of crucial insights. They tell us about:
- Ancient warfare: Swords are a direct link to how conflicts were fought in the past. The design, materials, and context of the find reveal details about military strategies and weapon technology.
- Technological prowess: The creation of a sword requires skills in metallurgy, casting, and forging. Analyzing these items shows how ancient civilizations worked with metal.
- Trade and culture: The style of a sword and the materials it was made from can indicate contact and trade routes between different cultures.
- Cultural significance: Some swords held a symbolic place in the culture that created them, acting as emblems of power, divinity, and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ancient Swords
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore the world of ancient swords:
What is the oldest sword ever found?
The oldest swords discovered are those found in Arslantepe, Turkey, dating back to around 3300 BC. These Bronze Age swords are approximately 60 cm (24 in) long and made of arsenical bronze.
What is the best preserved ancient sword ever found?
The Cawood Sword, discovered in the River Ouse in the late 1800s, is considered by many to be the best preserved sword, retaining details of the original inscription on its blade.
Is the 3,000 year old sword found in Germany real?
Yes, German archaeologists have discovered 3,000-year-old swords, notably one unearthed in Bavaria that is so well-preserved it still shines. These are legitimate archeological discoveries.
What makes the Sword of Goujian so special?
The Sword of Goujian, from ancient China, is remarkably well-preserved. After 2,400 years, it is still sharp, and shows no sign of tarnish. This is due to its sophisticated chemical composition, a testament to ancient Chinese metallurgy.
Have Roman swords ever been found?
Yes, multiple Roman swords have been discovered. Notably, four “excellently preserved” Roman swords were found in a cave near the Dead Sea. They include three spatha swords and one ring-pommel sword.
What is a spatha sword?
A spatha was a long, straight sword used by Roman legionaries. These swords are typically 60-64 cm in length.
Was a Knights Templar sword ever found?
A sword found in Shropshire’s Caynton caves has been identified as a 13th-century weapon belonging to a member of the fabled Knights Templar.
What was the purpose of the Japanese dako swords?
Dako swords were very large and likely not used for combat. Instead they were used as protection against evil after death, they were found in tombs.
Did ancient swords rust?
Yes, iron swords were susceptible to rust. Keeping them away from moisture and regular maintenance by squires or smiths were crucial to preserving them.
Was a 3,300-year-old sword found in Germany?
Yes, in addition to the 3,000 year old sword mentioned earlier, a well preserved 3,300-year-old octagonal sword was indeed discovered in Germany at a burial site, and was notable for it’s shine even after so long.
How old is Excalibur?
The sword found in a Bosnian river that was nicknamed ‘Excalibur’ is not the sword from Arthurian legend. This medieval sword dates back to the 14th century.
What is the oldest weapon on earth?
The oldest known weapons are wooden thrusting spears, which have been found in Schöningen, Germany. These spears date back approximately 400,000 years.
Who invented the first sword?
No single person is credited with the invention of the sword. The first evidence of swords dates back to the early Bronze Age around 3300 BCE.
What did the first swords look like?
The first swords had long, leaf-shaped blades made from copper and bronze. The hilts were often an extension of the blade itself.
Were greatswords from the middle ages?
Greatswords, large two handed swords, were not from the middle ages. They were developed in the early 1500s by the Swiss and adopted by the German Landsknechts.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 800-year-old sword in the Mediterranean is a remarkable find, providing a tangible connection to the past. The ancient and medieval world continues to reveal its secrets, and each new discovery tells us more about history, and helps us to understand the human journey. The study of these fascinating weapons allows us to glimpse into the past and understand how civilizations lived, fought and ultimately, thrived. The sword’s continued impact on history means there will likely be more incredible stories of their discoveries to come.