greek xiphos sparta Barbutes Some fighters preferred an axe

Some fighters preferred an axe over a sword

Each item is unique

but from the 2nd century BC onwards it became primarily a ceremonial attribute for high-ranking officers and emperors

it is crafted from leather

The top and bottom edges are beautifully designed with a stitched decorative border

greek xiphos sparta Barbutes Some fighters preferred an axeHoplites were the heavily armed infantrymen of the ancient Greek army. The most important weapon was the lance (dory), whilst the most important means of defence was the large round shield (aspis). The xiphos, or sword, was a secondary weapon that hoplites carried on the left side. The xiphos is a relatively short sword (the blade averaged 4560 cm in length) with a leaf shaped blade. Xiphoi were employed primarily when the spear was broken, or in