Controversial artifact has been the subject of controversy for more than 30 years
Researchers have unraveled the mysteries of a historical sword discovered in Spain 30 years ago, which they named “Excalibur” due to its location causing similarities with the legendary sword of King Arthur.
Valencia's Department of Archeology has decided to catalog and analyze artefacts from its collection ahead of its 75th anniversary, Valencia City Council said. One of these artifacts was the sword Excalibur.
The iron sword was first discovered stuck vertically into the ground in 1994 at an archaeological site in the old town of Valencia, located on the east coast of Spain. Situated north of the old Roman Forum, this site has witnessed the rise and fall of many cultures throughout Valencia's turbulent history. Over the past 30 years, the origins and age of the sword have remained a matter of confusion.
Since its discovery, the true age of the sword has eluded scientists. However, recent efforts by the Archaeological Service (SIAM) of the Valencia City Council have shed light on its origins, reports Horta Noticias. Using careful dating techniques, they determined that the sword dates back to the 10th century, confirming its age to be over a thousand years.
SIAM's analysis shows that the sword is the first find of its kind dating back to the Islamic era, in Valencia. Swords from this period are generally rare in Spain, especially in Valencia, where the composition of the soil makes them difficult to preserve.
Archaeologist Jose Miguel Osuna, who led the research project, discovered that the 45-centimeter blade dates back to the Islamic period due to its handle, which was decorated with bronze plates and notches for ease of handling. The curved metal tip of the sword puzzled researchers, who suggested that it could have belonged to the Visigoths, but Osuna later rejected this idea.
The size of the sword and the fact that it does not have a hilt suggest that it could have been used by a mounted warrior during the Andalusian Caliphate. It is clear to municipal specialists that its origins go back to the Islamic era of Balancia, although it may exhibit evolutionary features of Visigothic examples. So far, only one similar example has been discovered, discovered during the excavations of Medina Azahara, the famous caliphic city built by order of Abderraman III in Cordoba. The Islamic period in Spain began in 711 AD and ended in 1492 AD.
“Thanks to a fellowship in archeology organized by the city council of Valencia, archaeologist José Miguel Osuna is conducting a detailed study of metal objects dating from the period from Roman Empire until the late Middle Ages, during which a new and exceptional find was discovered, which we called “Excalibur de Roc Chabas”, so that it was very similar to the legendary sword of King Arthur,” says a member of the Valencian Council for Cultural Events, Heritage and Cultural resources of José Luis Moreno. He added that the sword was just one of many artifacts from the Roman era to the Late Middle Ages.
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