Lot 90
Ancient Near East, Achaemenid Persian Empire, ca. 500 to 330 BCE. Two large ancient iron stabbing daggers. Both show rare, complete preservation and are intact from their sharply pointed tips down to the ring pommel on the integral handle. The elongated blades are curved to impart strength in stabbing attacks and to prevent the blade from bending. From a private German collection focused on ancient weapons of the Balkans, these two unique examples were amongst the best of the large bladed weapons in the collection. Their style is unique and later steel swords of the Persians would imitate the profile of these earliest swords in ancient iron! Size of largest: 17" H (43.2 cm)
The Achaemenid Empire (c. 550 to 330 BCE), also called the First Persian Empire, was an empire based in Western Asia, founded by Cyrus the Great. At its greatest extent, it ranged from the Balkans and Eastern Europe in the west, to the Indus Valley in the east. It was larger than any previous empire in history, spanning 5.5 million square kilometers. Incorporating various peoples of different origins and faiths, it is notable for its successful model of a centralized, bureaucratic administration (through satraps under the King of Kings), for building infrastructure such as road systems and a postal system, the use of an official language across its territories, and the development of civil services and a large professional army. The empire's successes inspired similar systems in later empires.
Provenance: acquired 2002 from a private German collection
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#134594
- Condition: Complete, with no repair or restoration. Very dark patina. Surface has been chemically stabilized.
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