The strangest shapes of antique weapons can be found among a variety of them.
Harpe-AO 4354 - khopesh / archaeological artifact - circa 2000 BC. Image credit: Rama- CC BY-SA 3.0 FR
One such weapon is the bronze khopesh, a sickle-shaped sword that was commonly employed by warriors in the ancient Near East between 3000 BC and roughly 1300 BC. It is typically described as a type of sword-ax.
Many ancient cultures, including the Babylonians, Phoenicians, Egyptians, and others, frequently used the khopesh weapon. There is "a remarkable similarity of a type of sword from Benin in West Africa" and the khopesh sword.
The khopesh is primarily recognized from Egypt, where it first appears in XVII dynasty texts as the weapon of Pharaoh Kamose, the final ruler of the 17th dynasty (about 1630–1540 BC). The Canaanites taught the Egyptians how to make this weapon, or they stole it straight from the invading Hyksos, along with other military advancements.
The khopesh is frequently shown as both a Pharaoh's symbolic weapon and an emblem of the Egyptian gods. Some khopesh were found in royal graves, as the two pieces that were uncovered with Tutankhamun.
In her book "Warfare and Weaponry of Dynastic Egypt," Rebecca Dean notes that "while the ax remained an important weapon throughout the Eighteenth Dynasty, it at times appeared to be gradually replaced with the sickle sword - the khopesh."
The weapon's blade, according to the author, was "wedge-shaped (widening at the back) with the cutting edge on the outer edge, as in the case of the scimitar blade, and functioned as a long and thin weapon that almost resembled an ax." The weapon is typically 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) long, but smaller specimens have sometimes been discovered. Only the outermost part of the curled end is quite sharp.
Relief of Ramses III at Medinet Habu, Theban Necropolis, Egypt. The Pharaoh is using the Khopesh Sword. Credit: I, Rémih - CC BY-SA 3.0
The khopesh's significant penetration technically sets it apart from other weapons. It weighed about two kilograms, and because of its unusual design, the warrior could select his method of attack depending on the situation.
Khopesh Evolved From Epsilon Axes
The epsilon or other similar crescent-shaped axes used in battle were the ancestors of the khopesh.
Dan Howard claims in his book "Bronze Age Military Equipment" that "the khopesh shows" the likely derivation from the epsilon ax (not the sickle). The khopesh most likely descended from the epsilon ax. In Egypt, cutting typologies were more typical, but they also employed piercing axes.
The blunt end edge of the khopesh's blade acted as both a stick and a hook. To trap an opponent's arm or remove his shield from the path, use the inside curve.
Bronze Khopesh sword from the time of Ramses II. Credit: Aoineko - CC BY-SA 3.0
A thin thickening that separates the handle from the barrel creates a physical barrier that immediately defends the hand from blows. The grip is strengthened by a straight handle with an expanded or bent head.
Between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, which corresponds to Egypt's 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties, these weapons underwent a shift from bronze to iron.
Due to their resemblance in shape, the word "khopesh" (perhaps derived from "leg" ("leg of beef")) was used in ancient Egypt. The Coffin Texts (about 2181–2055 BC) contain the hieroglyph for "p" ('leg' or (kh.p.sh = 'knee').
Weaponsmiths Worked Hard To Create This Advanced Elite Weapon That Is Rarely Used
forth order to create a long sword that could be used efficiently for striking and thrusting, several weapon makers put forth a lot of effort over a very long period of time. One answer was the bronze khopesh, which, despite its peculiar design, was widely used in the Middle East and later gave rise to swords like the Greek "machaira" and the Ghurka "kukri," which are typically connected with the Gurkhas of Nepal and India who speak Nepali.
King Eannatum of Lagash is shown holding a khopesh in the Stele of Vultures, which dates the object to at least 2500 BC. This is the earliest known representation of a khopesh. The khopesh has been portrayed in other places as well.
On a Mari cylinder seal, one of the earliest is found. The original capital of the Kingdom of Israel, Shechem, which is a Canaanite city and is referenced in the Amarna letters, was discovered to be a century later at Byblos.
Bronze Egyptian Khopesh with the name of Pharaoh Ramses II. Louvre Museum.
Along with representing one of the symbols of the most significant gods in ancient Egypt, the khopesh also stood for the Pharaoh's magical weapon.
This Egyptian warrior's sword served as a symbol of victory over foes in works of art.
The weapon additionally has this role in astronomy and Egyptian mythology. The ancient Egyptian star god Mesechtiu was said to have come from the constellation Khopesh (Big Dipper), according to the hieroglyphs. Later on, the Book of the Dead makes reference to the Egyptian deity Mesechtiu.
The khopesh was no longer in use by 1300 BC, but Bedouin nomadic Shasu tribes continued to use it during the 19th dynasty.
