Charts: Ancient Swords

[Kirk Spencer]

Here are some of the charts that I have prepared and found that summarize typological, chronological and other trends in spathology.

This first set has to do with swords of the Aegean Bronze Age. The material is taken from the landmark works of:

N.K. Sandars
in particular "The First Aegean Swords and Their Ancestry" (in AJA v.65) and "Later Aegean Bronze Swords" (in AJA v.67)

Imma Kilian-Dirlmeier
in particular "Die Schwerter in Griechenland, Bulgarien und Albanien in Prahistorische Bronzefunde, Abteilung IV Band 12


I have numbered the charts in the file names so that if they are copied into a file and sorted by name they will appear in chronological order when seen as a slide show.

These first two attachments are my attempts to try and combine graphically the Sandars and Kilian-Dirlmeier classification systems. The second is what I consider a better representation.

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[Kirk Spencer]

I have also made charts that summarize many of the descriptive and ancestry comments made by Sandars in "The First Aegean Swords and Their Ancestry" (AJA v.65) In each case I have tried to find images that would illustrate the points. I have also compiled cross sections for these types to show the complexity of the blade geometry.

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[Kirk Spencer]

Here are similar charts for the early Horned Swords.

Information is taken primarily from Sandars "Later Aegean Bronze Swords." AJA v.67

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[Kirk Spencer]

Charts for Cross Type swords. Again information taken from Sandars "Later Aegean Bronze Swords." AJA v.67


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[Kirk Spencer]

Charts for T-Hilt Swords (E & F class).

Info from Sandars "Later Aegean Bronze Swords." AJA v.67

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[Kirk Spencer]

Charts of later Horned Swords (G & H class).

Information abstracted from:
Sandars "Later Aegean Bronze Swords." AJA v.67

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[Kirk Spencer]

Here is a helpful Chronology Chart from

Imma Kilian-Dirlmeier
"Die Schwerter in Griechenland, Bulgarien und Albanien in Prahistorische Bronzefunde, Abteilung IV Band 12

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[Russ Ellis]

Hey Kirk,

As you know I've followed your efforts in regards to cataloguing sword pictures and types with interest. Thanks for sharing these with us. In fact I have to admit you have inspired me to do the same sort of thing with scabbards... it's a work in progress.

[Brock H]

Wow, Kirk, you really put in a lot of work on this! Thanks for sharing!

Okay if someone puts a link to here on Bronze Age Center?

[Ty N.]

You forgot the 3-D holographic Venn diagram.

[Seth Borland]

great work man! this is a huge help!

[S. Workman]

Great work, and very helpful to me. Thank you!

[Kirk Spencer]

Thanks guys!

If anyone wants to get larger versions, just send me a PM.

ks

[tom hyle]

Very nice; very informative. Thanks.

[Moi Watson]

These are great! Thanks for sharing them.

I particularly like the cross sections.

[Sten Williams]

hi everyone!

Please,help! if someone have maps of spread swords,axes,arrow heads,spear heads 800-400 BC with classification what type weapon belongs to, in Europe,especially North-Western Europe please would You help me,i need ones.Or give advise where can i get these maps in the net.If there's impossible to get these maps,could anyone share just your knowledge about this weapon on the site.If the topic discussed here please give the link.

[BlaiseCarlisle]

Thank you very much for sharing these! I always find it interesting to see how weaponry changes over time and adapts.