New research reveals that a rare sword unearthed in the Spanish city of Valencia is over 1,000 years old, dating back to when much of Spain was under Muslim rule.
The 46-centimeter-long iron sword was found upright in a tomb in 1994, prompting its discoverers to dub it "Excalibur," after the legendary sword of King Arthur, who, according to medieval folklore, pulled a sword from a stone to establish his right to rule England.
H2: The Sword of Valencia
The Excalibur-dubbed sword dates back to the Islamic period in Spain, in the 10th century. (Image credit: Archaeological Service of Valencia City Council)
The Valencia sword was found in a northern suburb of the city, in a Roman necropolis. Its hilt is decorated with bronze plates and features grooves for a better grip.
While the blade was found in a context associated with the Islamic period, one feature made its dating uncertain: it has a slight curvature towards the tip. This characteristic also appears in swords made by the Visigoths, who ruled Spain from 418 to 711 AD. This raised questions about whether the sword originated in the Visigothic or Islamic period (711-1492).
H2: Unraveling the Mystery
To resolve this question, the city of Valencia commissioned José Miguel Osuna, an archaeologist at the University of Granada, to study the sword and determine its age. By analyzing the weapon's metallurgy and the sediment in which it was found, he determined the blade dates to the 10th century, when Valencia was under Muslim rule and was known as Balansiya.
Osuna's research also suggests that the sword's size and the absence of a hand guard indicate it was used by a mounted warrior. The study has not yet been published in a scientific journal.
H2: A Rare Artifact
The artifact is a rare find. It is reportedly the first sword from the Islamic period excavated in Valencia.
The Islamic period brought about a flourishing of architecture, art, and literature in Spain. The last Islamic state in Spain fell in 1492, when the emirate of Granada surrendered to the forces of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
Summary
- A rare iron sword dubbed "Excalibur" has been discovered in Valencia, Spain.
- The sword dates back to the 10th century, when the city was under Muslim rule.
- The sword's metallurgy and context suggest it was used by a mounted warrior.
- The discovery sheds light on Valencia's history and the craftsmanship of its inhabitants during the Islamic period.