Page 43 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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Sickle-shaped blade
Repoussé (hammered ENEMIES OF R
relief) decoration
▶ SICKLE SWORD
Date Early 1st century ce
Origin Germany
Bow recurves Length 10in (25.7cm)
toward archer OME
This falx, or sickle-shaped
sword, was found in the
Teutoburg Forest in Germany,
the site of one of Rome’s
greatest military defeats, at
the hands of Germanic tribes
in 9ce. This type of sword
Carefully worked was also used by Rome’s
bronze rivets enemies in Dacia (modern-
day Romania) in the 1st and
2nd century ce.

Attachment for
wooden haft
Bowstring

▲ BRONZE HELMET ▶ HUNNISH BOW
Handle
Date 250–50bce Date 5th century ce reinforced
Origin England Origin Central Europe with bone
1
Material Bronze Length 4–5 ⁄2ft (1.25–1.65m) Jewels form eagle’s
eye and beak
This horned helmet is the only one of The Huns employed compound bows
its type ever found in Europe, and made of horn and wood, which had a
was probably for ceremonial rather greater range than simple bows. The
than combat purposes. It is made of Huns depended on a rapid rate of fire
bronze sheets riveted together. from horseback for their military
successes against the Romans in the Cloisonné cross pattern
5th century ce. The version pictured
here is a modern replica.

▶ EAGLE CLASP
Date c.500ce
Origin Italy
Material Gold, cloisonné
This eagle clasp was
probably used to fasten
the cloak of a high-status
▼ SASSANIAN ▼ FRANCISCA A light throwing ax, the warrior. It comes from the
PERSIAN SWORD THROWING AX francisca was commonly used by Ostrogoths, a people who
Date 6th–7th century ce Date 500–600ce the Franks—a Germanic group occupied Italy from the late
who fought against the Romans 5th century ce.
Origin Persia Origin Europe
from the mid-4th century ce,
1
1
Length 3 ⁄2ft (1.05m) Weight 15 ⁄4oz (430g) and who had conquered most
Length 6 ⁄2in (16.5cm) of Gaul by the end of the
1
Late Sassanian Persian swords 5th century ce.
were long with narrow blades.
They were hung from the belt
by two straps, which prevented
the scabbard from trailing on the Characteristic
ground and allowed the rapid concave-shaped
drawing of the sword. iron head