c. 323-31 BC. Greek Hellenistic period - Sythian.This beautiful iron sword / acinaces has a tapering, bevelled blade with a raised midrib, a simple guard and a ribbed integral handle with four circular perforations. The Hellenistic period, which runs from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to the battle of Actium is 31 BC, was an era in which Greek-speaking peoples controlled much of the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia as far as present-day Afghanistan. This period saw many momentous scientific discoveries and artistic developments, as well as protracted periods of war between the armies of the numerous Hellenistic kingdoms.Size: L:367mm / W:60mm ; 325g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market before 2000.