Introduction
The Khopesh is one of the most unique weapons in the ancient Egyptian military arsenal.
The sword was brought to Egypt from Canaan where it had a much longer handle and was used as a war axe.
Personal Interest
We find khopeshes in many Ancient Egyptian art forms including statuettes found in tombs and in bas-reliefs of battles drawn on walls and murals. Pictures of the weapon where usually not to scale with khopeshes often shown as large daggers, even though surviving examples are much larger. The weapon was often shown used by Pharoahs to execute prisoners.
Description of Item
The khopesh is different than most traditional long swords in that the shape of the blade is not straight but curved or sickle shaped. Artifacts of the …show more content…
In time the weapon shrank slightly to a length of around 50cm. Because of the types of metals used
- largely bronze and copper - the weapon was usually cast in a mold, rather than forged by a smith. History/Time Period
Although it is the most recognizable of Ancient Egyptian weapons, the khopesh originated in Canaan, where it had a much longer handle. Egyptians modified the design to single-handed use, as Egyptian soldiers used a wicker shield in one hand, and a single-handed weapon in the other. The khopesh fell out of favor in the early 12th Century BC, as it was replaced by straight swords. However the importance of this historical weapon is seen in the ceremonial use of this sword which was produced as grave goods for high-status citizens. An example of this was a fine khopesh sword was found in Tutenkhamen's tomb.
Use of Item
The khopesh was very effective as a slashing weapon, and the curvature of the blade meant that greater pressure was focused on the target then would have been delivered by a straight edge sword. Because the khopesh was cast rather versus forged, the blade was thicker and heavier than a straight equivalent sword. Soldiers would defend himself with his shield,
The Khopesh is one of the most unique weapons in the ancient Egyptian military arsenal.
The sword was brought to Egypt from Canaan where it had a much longer handle and was used as a war axe.
Personal Interest
We find khopeshes in many Ancient Egyptian art forms including statuettes found in tombs and in bas-reliefs of battles drawn on walls and murals. Pictures of the weapon where usually not to scale with khopeshes often shown as large daggers, even though surviving examples are much larger. The weapon was often shown used by Pharoahs to execute prisoners.
Description of Item
The khopesh is different than most traditional long swords in that the shape of the blade is not straight but curved or sickle shaped. Artifacts of the …show more content…
In time the weapon shrank slightly to a length of around 50cm. Because of the types of metals used
- largely bronze and copper - the weapon was usually cast in a mold, rather than forged by a smith. History/Time Period
Although it is the most recognizable of Ancient Egyptian weapons, the khopesh originated in Canaan, where it had a much longer handle. Egyptians modified the design to single-handed use, as Egyptian soldiers used a wicker shield in one hand, and a single-handed weapon in the other. The khopesh fell out of favor in the early 12th Century BC, as it was replaced by straight swords. However the importance of this historical weapon is seen in the ceremonial use of this sword which was produced as grave goods for high-status citizens. An example of this was a fine khopesh sword was found in Tutenkhamen's tomb.
Use of Item
The khopesh was very effective as a slashing weapon, and the curvature of the blade meant that greater pressure was focused on the target then would have been delivered by a straight edge sword. Because the khopesh was cast rather versus forged, the blade was thicker and heavier than a straight equivalent sword. Soldiers would defend himself with his shield,