When was the xiphos invented?
The origin of the design goes back to the Bronze age; the blade of the xiphos looks almost identical to the blade of the Mycenean naue 2 sword, which itself transitioned from having a blade of bronze into a blade made of iron during the Archaic period.
Where did the xiphos come from?
The xiphos (Ancient Greek: ξίφος [ksípʰos]; plural xiphe, Ancient Greek: ξίφη [ksípʰɛː]) is a double-edged, one-handed Iron Age straight shortsword used by the ancient Greeks. It was a secondary battlefield weapon for the Greek armies after the dory or javelin.
When was the Greek xiphos used?
Smaller xiphos would have been particularly useful during the Peloponnesian War (431 BC – 404 BC) when many hoplites began using lighter armor, even abandoning it, in favor of mobility.
Did Spartans use xiphos?
The Xiphos: The Xiphos was the close quarter weapon used by Spartan Warriors.
What is the meaning of xiphos?
(historical) A double-edged, single-handed sword, typically used by Ancient Greek hoplites as a secondary weapon after the dory (thrusting spear) or javelin.
What was the xiphos good for?
It was a primary battlefield weapon for the Greek armies along with the spear or javelin. The blade was around 60 cm long, and is somewhat similar to the Roman gladius. The xiphos was good for both cutting and stabbing attacks due to its leaf shaped blade. It was generally used only when the spear was broken.
Who used xiphos sword?
The xiphos (Greek: (το) ξίφος) is a double-edged, single-hand sword used by the ancient Greeks. It was a secondary battlefield weapon for the Greek armies after the spear or javelin.
What is the purpose of a xiphos?
Uses. The shape of the Xiphos allowed it to be used both for slashing and thrusting. While the Kopis was favored by calvery, the infintry in greece favored the Xiphos because it was shorter and more martially versatile. It was the secondary weapon for the hoplite, used when the Dory spear was lost or broken.
How big is a xiphos?
about 50–60 cm long
The classic blade was generally about 50–60 cm long, although the Spartans supposedly started to use blades as short as 30 cm around the era of the Greco-Persian Wars. The xiphos sometimes has a midrib, or is diamond or lenticular in cross-section.
How long was Leonidas sword?
RealFireNSteel – King Leonidas’ Spartan Sword
| Brand | RealFireNSteel |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 76 Centimeters |
| Color | Silver, Black, Brown |
What does xiphias mean in Greek?
sword
From Ancient Greek ξιφίας (xiphías), derived from ξίφος (xíphos, “sword”).
What does Xebec mean?
Definition of xebec : a usually 3-masted Mediterranean sailing ship with long overhanging bow and stern.
What was the xiphos sword used for?
You might be aware of the fact that Xiphos swords were used as a backup weapon for the Greek warriors, particularly among the hoplite. The sword was worn as a sidearm and was often used in very close quarters fighting. This prevalent weapon of the time was primarily made of bronze or iron instead of steel.
When did the xiphos and makhiara come out?
During this time the Greeks began to develop their swords out of iron and this lead to the creation of the xiphos, makhiara and the polearm. The Hellenistic age is best known for Alexander the great, Alexander carried a makhiara with his men carrying polearms and xiphos. By 180 B.C.
What is the length of a medieval sword?
The length of the sword varied, measuring between 30 inches to 32 inches. With time, knights began to wear heavier armor and this was one of the reasons for continued evolution of the sword. Larger and longer swords were needed to deliver either blunt trauma through the armor or to pierce the armor.