Remarkably preserved 3,300-year-old sword discovered in Italian lake with blade still sharp
During a research campaign led by the Superintendency of Archaeology in Italy, members of the Carabinieri Underwater Unit in Rome stumbled upon a sharp bronze sword dating to the 13th century BC.
Well-preserved sword from the late Bronze Age found in Lake Mezzano, Italy
Members of the Superintendency of Archaeology in Italy announce the discovery of a well-preserved sword from the late Bronze Age, still sharp after so many years. Other items found include axes, arrowheads, daggers, spearheads, pins, a razor, numerous intact vases, and other bronze artifacts.
THE TAKEAWAY
- A well-preserved sword from the late Bronze Age was found in an Italian lake.
- Other items found include axes, arrowheads, daggers, spearheads, pins, a razor, numerous intact vases and other bronze artifacts.
- This is the third sword found in Lake Mezzano since the 1970s.
VITERBO, Italy– An unlikely discovery of a very well-preserved sword from over 3,300 years ago was made in the waters of Lake Mezzano in Italy last month.
During a research campaign led by the Superintendency of Archaeology in Italy, members of the Carabinieri Underwater Unit in Rome stumbled upon a sharp bronze sword dating to the 13th century BC.
The Superintendency of Archaeology dates the sword to the late Bronze Age.
It was found in an area that has rarely been investigated for such historical finds.
The sword is in excellent condition, still having a sharp edge and is the third of its kind found in the lake since the 1970s.
Sword from the late Bronze Age emerges for the first time in around 3,300 years.
(Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria)
Other items found include axes, arrowheads, daggers, spearheads, pins, a razor, numerous intact vases, and other bronze artifacts.
According to officials, the sword fits fully within the traditions of weapons production of Central Italy during the late Bronze Age.
MAN DISCOVERS MYSTERIOUS STONE OUTSIDE HOME, LEADING TO MASSIVE 3,300-YEAR-OLD EGYPTIAN TREASURE
An intact vase is found by a diver in Italy from the late Bronze Age.
(Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria)
Bronze became a form of power during this period, as it enabled superior warfare, agricultural productivity and long-distance trade that helped control other civilizations.
This area is also home to the crater of an ancient volcano that formed the lake 400,000 years ago, serving as a hotspot for archaeological and paleoenvironmental discoveries in the region.
SOCCER FIELD WAS HIDING THE REMAINS OF A 770-YEAR-OLD CONVENT THOUGHT LOST FOR CENTURIES
Sword from the late Bronze Age found in Lake Mezzano in Italy.
(Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria)
Evidence shows this was home to a settlement that played a major role in the cultural dynamics and relationships of these ancient communities.
The discovery of both a bronze sword and a razor suggests the people here held high social status and may have been elite warriors.
Researchers find a well-preserved sword from over 3,300 years ago.
(Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria)
Divers swimming in the lake pick up and show off the astonishing condition of the bronze sword, still sharp after more than 3,300 years.
The fine details on the sword's hilt are still visible, showcasing the pure craftsmanship of a swordsmith.
ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN TURKEY MAY HAVE FOUND THE WORLD’S OLDEST SHIPWRECK
Divers find sword from the late Bronze Age in amazing condition.
(Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Province of Viterbo and Southern Etruria)
Officials say more research will take place in the lake in the coming years to understand better these ancient settlements and the surrounding landscape where they developed for over 2,000 years.