The History of the Greek Sword

The Ancient Greeks are renowned for their fighting techniques and advanced intelligence when it came to technological advancements in the arts as well as in war. Typically, the Greek Sword was designed to be good for quick stabs, or a thrust, as well as slicing. Most Greek Swords had a single-edge blade. Often the hilts were lavishly decorated, sometimes with battle scenes. Great care was taken with the designs, and often a Greek Sword featured a gold finish.

Types of Swords

A hoplite sword, named after the citizens-turned-soldiers who used them, were the second choice among the soldiers. Typically they were only used once the spear had been broken in battle. A hoplite sword had a leaf-shaped blade, with a leather grip. Hoplite swords, when used in battle, were used for quick kills, as the blades were designed for slashing and cutting. Other sword types include the Xiphos and Machaera. All of these swords were designed for one purpose: to kill the enemy quickly and efficiently.

Often there is a distinctive appeal in owning a replica of a Greek Sword. One is able to own the same weapons used by Leonidas and other famous warriors. Also, by seeing in person and feeling the Greek Sword, one is able to better imagine that time, so it is a good collection piece for those interested in history, especially war history. There is also a lot of mythology surrounding the weapons, with many myths mentioning swords given to historical figures that were blessed by the gods. For example, Achilles was said to be given a sword by Hephaestus, the Olympian blacksmith who made lightning bolts for Zeus. The Greeks were one of the biggest ancient civilizations of their time, and being able to own a sword that would have been used in those times can seem almost mythical. Often, weapons from ancient times barely survived the fall of the various ancient civilizations, and owning even a Greek Sword replica is like owning a piece of history that was nearly lost forever.

As more people become interested in ancient civilizations, the Greek Sword has become a popular collector's item. One is able to channel their own inner warrior and pretend, for a moment, that he is perhaps as great as Achilles or as mighty as Leonidas.

Roman & Greek Swords