Inspired by combat gear
I took this photo a couple of years ago during a visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Despite being a peaceful person, I have always been intrigued by combat gear. I find it strange and contradicting that mankind crafted miraculously ornate weapons over time for such a brutal cause. I know that armour and paraphernalia were status symbols, way of life and daily routine, well placed in the community values, but still…
I love this well-preserved bronze sword which dates to 15th cent. BC. Its rhythmic seamless pattern is one of my favourites, used widely over time due to its unique harmony. Many people think that this is a rather oriental motif, but no, it comes straight from the heart of Peloponnese in Greece!
Its gold handle is decorated with symmetrical 4 petal flowers and sort of blades with inserts of lazurite stone. The grip ended in eagle or griffin heads.
It was found in a noble man’s tomb in Mycenae …
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