1200-700 BC, Greek Archaic Period. This beautiful bronze sword has a tapering, bevelled blade with raised midrib and a sub-rectangular handle for insertion into a handle. Bronze weaponry production flourished in western Asia, the Aegean, and Mainland Greece from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC, when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, spears, and arrows were important symbols of war in Greek Bronze Age societies and served as powerful reminders that authority rested in the hands of those who could earn it. Good condition; great patina; on a custom stand.Size: L:435mm / W:64mm ; 355g; Provenance: From the private collection of a Central London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market before 2000.