Swords were the quintessential symbol of high status in the Middle Ages, and commonly found in burials of admired and prosperous warriors. This medieval sword, found in a sewer in Denmark, was an exception. When work was being done on a sewer in Aalborg, Denmark, an engineer and construction worker came across a 3.6 foot long sword, still sharp on both edges and well maintained. The sword weighed just over two pounds, sporting a very narrow handle and wide hilt, which is a piece of the sword that sits perpendicular to the blade and above the handle. These characteristics are commonly seen in medieval swords. The sword is thought to be used in the 1300s, but it is possible that it was passed down for generations and was used up to 200 years prior.Medieval swords were held at such a high regard, how was it possible that this sword was not buried with its owner upon his death? Because of Denmark's 13th century civil war, historians have theorized that the person who weld this sword may have been in the midst of battle when it was lost. It is thought to have been trampled deep into the mud during a violent battle, making it impossible to retrieve or even see, but also preserving it for the hundreds of years it spent underground.
Katz, Brigit. “Medieval Sword, Blade Still Sharp, Pulled From Sewer in Denmark.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 11 Feb. 2019, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/medieval-sword-its-blade-still-sharp-pulled-sewer-denmark-180971469/.
Barrie, Josh. “Workers Found a 'Still Sharp' Sword from Medieval Times in a Sewer.” Inews, Inews, 6 Sept. 2019, https://inews.co.uk/news/world/medieval-sword-found-denmark-sewer-aalborg-archaeology-123226.
This post does a great job of relating to our class content of medieval weaponry. It is ironic that an object that would have been held at such high regard was found in a sewer. I wonder how this swords owner faired in that battle after he lost his weapon?
ReplyDeleteAs we have learned throughout the class swords were very important during the Middle Ages. I like how you picked out a specific sword to write this post on, instead of just generalizing all Medieval swords. That is a very interesting fact that this sword was just found in a sewer many years later. While it is surprising this sword was not buried with someone, I am glad it was found so we can get a closer look at these Medieval swords. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think this is an excellent post, the way you described the history and importance of the sword is very good. For how important this artifact I think it is funny to how it was actually found in a sewer. Did someone through the sword away or had it just been there the whole time?
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting. That is so unusual that it was found in the sewer.
ReplyDeleteThis post has a lot of history behind it and was very interesting. I find it really cool how scientists can age objects due to there positions in sediment. I wonder what the true story is? Considering from what we learned from , The Song of Roland I would of figured people kept there swords with them no matter what so it wouldn't end up in the wrong hands.
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