Xiphos Sword
Item Classical Greece

Xiphos Sword

The Xiphos was a double-edged straight shortsword used by ancient Greeks. Its leaf-shaped blade typically measured 50-60cm in length, with a sharp point designed for both cutting and thrusting. The sword gradually tapered from hilt to tip, featuring a prominent midrib that ran the length of the blade to provide additional strength. The hilt commonly incorporated a crossguard and pommel, often decorated with intricate designs or precious materials in more elaborate versions.

Articles

Provenance Trail

Discovery location: Various Greek archaeological sites
Current location: Various examples are housed in multiple museums including the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the British Museum, and the Louvre
Article

Battle of Thermopylae

The dawn of the third day broke blood-red over the narrow coastal pass at Thermopylae, as if the heavens themselves knew...

Late Period

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