Sword

Add to album

This bronze sword was found at Mey in Caithness. It was a prestigious possession, used sometime between 950 and 750 BC.

The leaf-shaped sword has four rivet holes, with three rivets preserved.

Technological advances in bronze casting in the late Bronze Age resulted in new and better weapons. Long slashing swords became popular in the early 1st millennium BC. They could be used on foot or from horseback, and were prestigious weapons.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-034-415-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DL 50
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  Late Bronze Age
  
• Material: Bronze; leaf-shaped; with four rivet holes and three rivets in situ
  
• Dimensions: 19.00" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Caithness, Canisbay, Mey
  
• Event:
• Description: Late Bronze Age leaf-shaped sword from Mey, Caithness
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), pp 16-134, esp. 83. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: