Scientists Have Recreated Medieval Battles to Solve Debate Over Ancient Bronze Swords

(Hermann et al., Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, 2020)

Bronze swords made from copper and tin aren't the most robust of weapons, which has led to some uncertainty about whether they were originally used for battle or just for show.

Now, a group of archaeologists has tried to settle the debate by quite literally coming to blows with each other.

Researchers commissioned the creation of seven bronze swords using traditional methods, then tested them out with the help of local experts used to setting up medieval combat reconstructions, applying techniques from the Middle Ages.

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