Bronze sword from 1,600 BC from Mycenae, castle and city in the northern Argolis on the Peloponnese.
Mycenae, one of the earliest advanced civilisations in Greece and thus in Europe, was first explored by the German archaeologist Schliemann in 1876.
The sword blade, which tapers sharply towards the tip, was originally sharpened on both sides and could be used for both stabbing and slashing. The central ridge running along both sides of the blade was intended to strengthen the weapon and protect it from breaking. Spiral-like decorative elements are attached to the hemispherical pommel end.
Original in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
The patina was caused by chemical oxidation over time. Replica reduction.