11-22-2013, 09:09 AM
Interstingly the Emperor Manuel I (1143-1180) is recorded as saying that he thought that the swords of Western European knights were based on Byzantine models. Which probably shows that Byzantine and Latin swords were essentially from the same tradition.
Turning to earlier swords, I think that the Germanic peoples are credited with far too much originality in regard to sword design. In the first few centuries AD they were producing imitation gladius models - see the Nydam remains - and later, c.250-550, they like the Romans were producing copies of swords originating in Central Asia of Sarmatian and other Steppe-nomad origins.
Turning to earlier swords, I think that the Germanic peoples are credited with far too much originality in regard to sword design. In the first few centuries AD they were producing imitation gladius models - see the Nydam remains - and later, c.250-550, they like the Romans were producing copies of swords originating in Central Asia of Sarmatian and other Steppe-nomad origins.
Martin
Fac me cocleario vomere!
Fac me cocleario vomere!
