2,000 year old Roman dagger found in Germany

[Houlahound]

This dagger looks more like a status symbol than a practical knife imo.

 

[Revolverrodger]

I wonder what kind of steel was used back then ? S35vn ?

 

[lieferung]

According to the original article, the blade was iron. Not much else is said about its composition.

 

[abcdef]

Don't clean a vintage knife. Put it on your belt and use it.

 

[ArchVV]

Pretty cool! I've worked on Etruscan (pre-Roman) sites in Tuscany but never found anything that impressive.

 

[Natlek]

easy enough to link the pic - I really like the leaf shape

EDIT: I just found the higher rez pic - this is amazing detail - I'm actually blown away

There is a stain of yellow rust on my knife ........weekly topic around here

 

[mb>]

That’s even more unbelievable when you see what they started with. Holy smokes. Scary to think I might have thrown that in trash not knowing what was under there!

 

[CVamberbonehead]

Thats amazing!

 

[Natlek]

I wonder what price this dagger would reach at auction ?

 

[SW-EDC]

I wonder what price this dagger would reach at auction ?

?
But IMO, priceless and belongs in a museum for all to enjoy.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Silver wouldn't be a very good metal for hard use; I suspect the dagger was more for show. Bronze was more widely used in Roman swords. Bronze weapons were pretty effective, judging by the Roman history of conquest. There are several on display at the British Museum.

 

[Bearbreeder]

I hear that those germanic folks collected quite a few roman daggers and swords

Legions of em, literally

Augustus asked for his legions back of course ...

 

[Pilot1]

I hear that those germanic folks collected quite a few roman daggers and swords

Legions of em, literally

Augustus asked for his legions back of course ...

Well Rome conquered and ruled most of the known world including what is now Germany. It is amazing where Roman ruins are found around Europe, UK, Africa, ME, etc.

 

[Houlahound]

If there is any philosophy I ltry and ive by it's that of Marcus Aurelius as per the meditations.

Nothing more needed or relevant to modern life than that book.

 

[Bearbreeder]

If there is any philosophy I ltry and ive by it's that of Marcus Aurelius as per the meditations.

Nothing more needed or relevant to modern life than that book.

Absolutely agree

But i just watch GLADIATOR ...

 

[Natlek]

?
But IMO, priceless and belongs in a museum for all to enjoy.

I agree , it belongs to museum .It was just thought what a price it would reach at auction..... _ 000000

 

[SW-EDC]

I agree , it belongs to museum .It was just thought what a price it would reach at auction..... _ 000000

If it did go to auction, I am sure 6 figures to a collector..possibly 7

 

[lieferung]

Silver wouldn't be a very good metal for hard use; I suspect the dagger was more for show. Bronze was more widely used in Roman swords. Bronze weapons were pretty effective, judging by the Roman history of conquest. There are several on display at the British Museum.

According to the original article, the blade was iron. Not much else is said about its composition.

It does also say that given the decorative nature of both the dagger and the belt, the dagger's use was likely as a status symbol, or at most a last ditch weapon, as a Roman soldier would be hard pressed to give up his sword.

 

[SW-EDC]

Combat weapons were not adorned with jewels as far as I'm aware. I wonder what else they found nearby?

 

[Triton]

Silver wouldn't be a very good metal for hard use; I suspect the dagger was more for show. Bronze was more widely used in Roman swords. Bronze weapons were pretty effective, judging by the Roman history of conquest. There are several on display at the British Museum.

A small correction if I could. Although very early Rome was founded during the bronze age by the time the Romans were ruling Germany they were well into the iron age and I think I read that this is an iron dagger. Some of the reports calling it a silver dagger are probably referring to the grip and sheath. As was mentioned silver would make for a poor weapon unless fighting vampire or werewolves I suppose.