Bronze
400–370 BCE
China
Museum Rietberg
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient China, Eastern Zhou Dynasty
Theme
Empire: Projecting Power
Subtheme
Do Empires Need Wars?
Case Title
Preparing for war
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
China
Measurements
60.2 x 4.7 cm
Accession Number
RCH 11
Description
Most fighting in the ancient world was at close quarters. The quality of your weapons was all important. Straight, double-edged bronze swords like this were designed for slashing and thrusting through the enemy’s armour. Later, iron and steel swords with even sharper blades were developed.






