Kopis

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kopis
Greek-Persian-2.jpg
Information
Weapon type: Sword, slash sword, sickle sword
Designations: Kopis, Copis
Use: weapon
Region of origin /
author: 		Greece
Distribution: Roman Empire, Empire of Alexander the Great
Handle: Wood, horn
Lists on the subject

The Kopis ( Gr. Κοπίς) is a cutting sword from ancient times , which was originally used by the Greeks and which later found widespread use in large parts of the Mediterranean. According to studies by the edged weapons researcher Richard F. Burton , the Kopis was based on the ancient Egyptian Chepesch . Various forms of the Kopis developed from the Chepesch, from which a weapon known as the Falcata emerged, which is occasionally equated with the generic term Machaira .

description

Characteristic is the forward sloping, widening and asymmetrical blade, which was used to carry out heavy blows that could break the opponent's shield. The sharp bend may also have been used to knock around enemy shields. In addition, the handle is noticeable, which largely, sometimes even completely, encloses the hand. On the one hand it prevents the grip from slipping and thus the loss of the weapon in battle, on the other hand it offers a parrying surface.

Illustration of a Kopis (Ancient Greek Slash Sword)

distribution

The Kopis was used by cavalry (here it is particularly suitable for riding down fleeing enemies if you deal a targeted blow while riding past) and infantry (as an additional melee weapon for the hoplites and phalangites ). The Kopis was spread around the world through the early Greek colonists and through Alexander . Many peoples who fought against Greek armies, including the Persians and Romans , but also Indians , took it over. This sword was also known to the Carthaginians and Lusitanians , but in this context it is often called Falcata.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Richard F. Burton : Book of the Sword. Chattoo and Windus, London 1884, p. 235, digitized, accessed July 3, 2015 .
  2. ↑ Stefan Bittner: Costumes and armament of the Persian army at the time of the Achaimenids (= interdisciplinary science. Vol. 1). K. Friedrich, Munich 1985, ISBN 3-9800481-6-0 (also: Munich, University, Dissertation, 1985).

literature

  • George Cameron Stone , Donald J. LaRocca: A glossary of the construction, decoration and use of arms and armor in all countries and in all times. Together with some closely related subjects. Courier Dover Publications, Mineola NY 1999, ISBN 0-486-40726-8 .
  • Fernando Quesada Sanz: El armamento ibérico. Estudio tipológio, geográfico, funcional, social y simbólico de las armas en la cultura ibérica (siglos VI - I aC) (= Monographies instrumentum. 3, 2). Volume 2. Mergoil, Montagnac 1997, ISBN 2-907303-10-4 .

Web links