A guide to museums with fine examples of classical swords.
United Kingdom Collections
The British Museum, London
- Several well-preserved Roman gladii, including examples of Mainz and Pompeii patterns
- A rare 5th century BCE Greek xiphos with original bronze fittings
- Two ceremonial Persian acinaces with gold inlay, from the Achaemenid period
- Collection of Han dynasty jian fragments
Anglo Saxon sword at the British Museum:
Museum of London
- Gladius fragments discovered during London Wall excavations
- Well-preserved gladius scabbard with bronze fittings from the Thames foreshore
Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
- Complete Roman gladius of the Pompeii type (1st century CE)
- Reconstructed Greek xiphos based on archaeological findings
- Educational collection showing sword-making techniques
Royal Armouries virtual tour:
United States Collections
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
- Extensive collection of Roman military equipment including several gladii
- Greek xiphos with ivory pommel (4th century BCE)
- Two Persian acinaces with original scabbards
- Notable collection of Han dynasty jian and their fittings
Swords at the Met
Cleveland Museum of Art
- Well-preserved Roman gladius (Mainz type)
- Ceremonial Chinese jian from the Han period
Boston Museum of Fine Arts
- Greek xiphos with bronze hilt (5th century BCE)
- Persian acinaces with gold filigree
- Early Han dynasty jian with jade fittings
Samurai at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts:
Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
- Roman military collection including gladius examples
- Persian ceremonial sword collection
Notable Exhibition History
- “Warriors of the Ancient World” (British Museum, 2019)
- “Roman Military Might” (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2018)
- “Swords of the East and West” (Cleveland Museum of Art, 2020)
Access and Research
Most of these collections are accessible to researchers by appointment. Public displays typically rotate, so visitors should check current exhibitions before visiting. Many museums offer detailed online catalogs of their collections.
Conservation Methods
These institutions employ various preservation techniques:
- Climate-controlled display cases
- Regular monitoring for metal degradation
- Specialized handling procedures for ancient metals
- Digital scanning and documentation programs
Note: Due to the rarity and fragility of ancient weapons, some examples may be in storage or undergoing conservation. Visitors should contact museums in advance to verify specific items’ availability for viewing.
