Iberian Falcata in Remarkably Well Preserved State

The falcata was a popular type of sword in the Iberian Peninsula from the fifth to the first century B.C. Closely related in form to slashing weapons found in Greece, it is distinguished by the fact that its blade is double-edged for about half of its length, whereas Greek specimens normally have a single cutting edge.

Although its old patina was removed and an inaccurate modern wood grip was added sometime before it was acquired, The Metropolitan Museum's falcata occupies an important place among the examples known to survive because of the otherwise fine state of preservation of its blade, which is structurally intact and only superficially corroded.

Culture: Iberian

Medium: Iron alloy

Dimensions: H. 20 15/16 in. (53.2 cm); H. of blade 17 in. (43.2 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); D. 13/16 in. (2.1 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 0.7 oz. (473.4 g)

Classification: Swords

Credit Line: The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932

Accession Number: 32.75.260

References: Sandars, Horace. The Weapons of the Iberians. Archæologia (1913), pp. 231–58, ill.


Source: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/32256