The use of Bronze Age swords in Central Europe

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Lorenz Rahmstorf, since 3/2023
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 510734851

Swords are amongst the most iconic types of Bronze Age objects. Today, typology, chronology and distribution of these artefacts are well understood. But how exactly they were used – be it mostly as prestigious/demonstrative items or as combat-ready weapons – was still the subject of discussion until very recently. New research conducted by the applicants, however, has demonstrated beyond doubt that Bronze Age swords from England and Italy were frequently used in combat, and different combat styles could be identified. Innovative methods – metalwork wear analysis (MWA) and combat experiments – enable us to scientifically investigate the uses of Bronze Age swords. The analyses have an enormous potential: Not only can we show how exactly the swords were used in combat, but also how different combat techniques developed regionally and over time. The hypothesis of the project is: Central European swords were used in combat, but their manufacturing techniques differed regionally and local combat styles emerged. The fundamental topics of the project are: • the precise use of swords in combat (via MWA and combat experiments), • MWA methodology development, •Manufacturing techniques and their influence on the development of wear marks, •the chronological and chorological development of fighting styles in Central Europe, •and the social status of Bronze Age sword fighters. This project offers, for the first time, the chance to carry out a comprehensive study of sword use in Central Europe. MWA analyses macro- and microscopic wear marks to determine how exactly bronze tools and weapons were used. Initially, the combat marks on around 440 swords in 13 museums in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Hungary will be analysed and recorded. As part of the preliminary work for the project, all 13 museums have already given their permission for this study, and a further 91 smaller museums have also agreed to the analysis. Simultaneously, 20 authentic replica swords will be cast, worked and sharpened in the Seminar für Ur- und Frühgeschichte’s bronze foundry. These will be used to conduct c. 250 combat experiments, inspired by historical fencing manuscripts, to create experimental reference marks. On this basis, it is possible to interpret the exact combat use of the original swords. Additionally, various types of microscopy will be tested for their MWA suitability. Finally, the find contexts are used to reconsider the social status of sword fighters. This will provide fundamentally new insights into Bronze Age sword fighting, sword manufacturing processes as well as the social context of sword bearers.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Raphael Hermann, until 3/2023