Sword (Falcata)
The falcata was a popular type of sword in the Iberian Peninsula from the fifth to the first century B.C. Closely related in form to slashing weapons found in Greece, it is distinguished by the fact that its blade is double-edged for about half of its length, whereas Greek specimens normally have a single cutting edge.
Although its old patina was removed and an inaccurate modern wood grip was added sometime before it was acquired, The Metropolitan Museum's falcata occupies an important place among the examples known to survive because of the otherwise fine state of preservation of its blade, which is structurally intact and only superficially corroded.
Although its old patina was removed and an inaccurate modern wood grip was added sometime before it was acquired, The Metropolitan Museum's falcata occupies an important place among the examples known to survive because of the otherwise fine state of preservation of its blade, which is structurally intact and only superficially corroded.
Artwork Details
- Title: Sword (Falcata)
- Date: 5th–1st century BCE
- Culture: Iberian
- Medium: Iron alloy
- Dimensions: H. 20 15/16 in. (53.2 cm); H. of blade 17 in. (43.2 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); D. 13/16 in. (2.1 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 0.7 oz. (473.4 g)
- Classification: Swords
- Credit Line: The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932
- Object Number: 32.75.260
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.