Curved blades in ancient Greece
Catherine Parnell
Supervisor: Dr Alan Peatfield and Dr Philip de Souza (School of Classics)
Funded by: Self Funded
Abstract
My thesis examines curved swords and knives from ancient Greece. In modern studies, Greek curved swords are known either as ‘machaira’ or ‘kopis’, and the commonly-held perception is that there are only two types of Greek curved sword. This nomenclature is, however, misleading as there are many different morphological types of curved swords as well as curved knives. This morphological shape has, however, not been the subject of widespread, in-depth analysis thus far. In order to counteract any misconceptions, my research is based on surveys of the preserved examples of all the various types of curved swords and knives, and the iconographic and literary evidence which portrays the curved blades. The databases of evidence which resulted from these surveys are the first surveys, relating to the curved blades, which examine all three classes of evidence in detail. I am interested in how preconceptions and a lack of in-depth studies have shaped the information which is available on Greek curved blades. My work also examines the problems which stem from the mis-translation of Greek and Latin texts, and how this issue has influenced our modern perceptions of the curved blades. Much of my work concentrates on the portrayal of curved blades in ancient art and literature, and connotations of barbarity and the ‘Other’.
Greek curved sword. Sanctuary of Dodona, 5th century BC’
I am also interested in experiential archaeology, and in this vein have replicated many of the combat techniques which involve the curved swords using accurate replicas (both battle-ready and wooden). My research interests (apart from weapons) include battlefield medicine, Homeric warfare and the reality behind literary and iconographic descriptions of wounding and death.