On Living Swords and Inscribed Blades

Hello fellow sword enthusiasts.

I had been invited to lecture about sword blade inscriptions at an academic workshop which took place at the State Library in Berlin last week. It had kindly been organised by Ulrike Ehmig and her staff of the Berliner Antike-Kolleg.

The interdisciplinary conference's subject was inscribed weapons through the ages. It was a very informative event with knowledgeable and open-minded lecturers of various backgrounds, and a constructive and welcoming atmosphere.

If we are lucky, there will be a respective publication. I will keep you posted!

What had initially prompted the event was the find of a forgotten wooden box on the attic filled with hundreds of originals and copies of Roman sling shots, so-called glandes (acorns) cast from lead. Many of them bear symbols or inscriptions, anything from a scorpion logo to: “At Octavian's arse!”

This is the largest collection of glandes. They have recently been photographed and inventorised by archaeologist Richard von Bremen, and are now awaiting in-depth study. Dr Ehmig's institute is open to any queries, and welcomes respective research into the subject.

I would be more than happy to establish a contact if you are interested.

I had learned about the Berlin conference from Dr Weißbrich of the Deutsches Historisches Museum when, in a conversation about inscribed swords, he pointed it out to me. I had only met Dr Weißbrich during my sword studies in the museum's storages. I liked his suggestion to apply for participation, and so I did.

In a respective post, I share with you a selection of two dozen images which I showed during my presentation on 27 February 2024. I have added a brief summary and image captions to provide some context. Click the button below to take a look at animate swords and talking blades.

So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed.

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Yours,

Roland

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