Sword

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

The leaf-shaped blade has two rivet holes and a slot in each wing. There is a long slot in the hilt to secure a handle.

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

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-387-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DL 2
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; leaf-shaped; two rivet holes and slot in each wing and long slot in the hilt plate
  
• Dimensions: 25.13" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Caithness, Latheron, Forse
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze leaf-shaped sword with two rivet holes and a slot in each wing and a long slot in the hilt plate, from Forse, Latheron, 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. 
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