**Originally Listed At $3000**

Ancient Central/Eastern Europe, Black Sea region, Sarmatians or other nomadic tribes of the region (Sargat, Sauromation, Saka, or Scythian), ca. 4th to 1st century BCE. A rare and wonderful iron sword of considerable length with a sturdy handle surmounted by a gently curved, T-shaped antenna pommel. The triangular blade gently tapers towards the pointed tip and exhibits sharpened edges, a shallow midrib, and a curved, lozenge-shaped hand guard for protection. Though somewhat heavy in the hand, this weapon was perhaps deftly brandished by a female soldier - the Sarmatians were a legendary nomadic culture whose warrior women, documented by Herodotus, inspired the myth of the Amazons. Size (full): 36.8" L x 3.7" W (93.5 cm x 9.4 cm); (blade): 32.7" L x 2.3" W (83.1 cm x 5.8 cm)

Warriors of all sexes were buried with weapons in Sarmatian graves, with cemeteries formed around the burial of a noble woman - believed to be the foremother of the family. Particularly in the steppe region of southern Ukraine, women have been buried with extensive jewelry, spindle whorls, and mirrors - all associated with women's graves in many cultures - alongside bows and arrows, iron knives, lances, and swords. Damage to their skeletal remains is consistent with them having fought and sometimes died in battles. Perhaps this sword once belonged to just such a warrior.

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Provenance: private Coral Gables, Florida, USA collection

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#172448

Slight bending to overall profile of blade, with nicks, chipping, and pitting to blade faces, edges, guard, handle, and pommel commensurate with age, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful preservation to overall form, with sharp edges, and great patina throughout.