The akinakes was a short, double-edged thrusting sword associated closely with the Scythians and other steppe cultures, particularly during the early Iron Age. Though later adopted by Persians, Thracians and others, the weapon’s earliest and most iconic use was by mounted Scythian warriors from the 7th to 3rd centuries BC. Functioning both as a military sidearm and a symbol of status, the akinakes occupies an important place in the martial culture of the ancient Eurasian steppe.
Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Short thrusting sword |
| Culture | Scythian (also Achaemenid Persian, Saka) |
| Period | c. 7th–3rd century BC |
| Blade length | Typically 35–45 cm |
| Overall length | 40–60 cm |
| Blade shape | Straight, double-edged, tapering |
| Point type | Leaf or needle point |
| Hilt construction | Often integrated with guard and pommel |
| Materials | Iron or bronze (sometimes gold in ceremonial types) |
| Mounting | Suspension from the belt on the right side |
The sword was usually worn horizontally in a decorated scabbard, often richly adorned with zoomorphic or geometric motifs.
History and Evolution
The akinakes likely originated among the early Scythians, possibly developing out of Bronze Age daggers. As a culture of mounted archers, Scythians required a compact and efficient sidearm suitable for close-quarters combat, especially when an archer was dismounted or entangled.
By the 6th century BC, the akinakes had spread to neighbouring cultures. The Achaemenid Persians adopted it widely, not only as a functional weapon but also as a ceremonial gift among elites. Variations developed across the steppes and in regions such as Thrace and the Caucasus, often retaining the same compact dimensions but incorporating regional artistic styles in the hilt and scabbard designs.
Despite its relatively short blade, it remained popular for centuries until eventually giving way to longer swords better suited to changing battlefield tactics.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Highly practical for mounted combat due to its short length and ease of draw.
- Quick to thrust with, allowing for rapid attacks in close quarters.
- Compact and easy to carry, particularly when worn across the front of the body.
- Often well-made and durable, with some ceremonial types demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship.
Disadvantages:
- Too short for many battlefield contexts, especially against spear or longer sword users.
- Less effective at cutting or slashing compared to curved sabres or falcatas.
- Limited versatility outside of cavalry or as a secondary weapon.
Comparison with Similar Weapons
| Weapon | Culture | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Xiphos | Classical Greece | Longer blade, more emphasis on slashing |
| Persian Kopis | Achaemenid Empire | Single-edged and curved, better for chopping |
| Roman Gladius | Roman Republic | Similar in function but typically longer |
| Thracian Sica | Thracian tribes | Curved inward blade, intended for hooking |
| Celtic La Tène sword | Central Europe | Longer and broader, suited for infantry combat |
The akinakes stood out due to its compact design and focus on rapid thrusting from horseback.
Legacy
The akinakes became symbolic not just of military service, but of noble rank and honour. In the Achaemenid Empire, it was often presented by the king as a token of trust or status. In funerary contexts, akinakai have been found placed alongside the dead, underlining their ritual as well as practical value.
Its influence persisted into later short-sword designs across eastern Europe and Central Asia, with echoes of the akinakes seen in later Hunnic and Sarmatian blades.
Where to See
Examples of Scythian akinakai can be found in several prominent collections:
- Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg, Russia) – features some of the finest ceremonial examples with gold fittings.
- National Museum of History of Ukraine (Kyiv) – houses several kurgan-excavated weapons.
- British Museum (London) – includes examples from Scythian and Achaemenid contexts.
- Louvre Museum (Paris) – displays a few akinakes-type blades from the Persian period.
Collector’s Guide and Auction Prices
Authenticity and Provenance:
- Many akinakes-style swords in private hands are of uncertain origin due to illegal excavation and black-market sales.
- Provenanced examples with archaeological documentation command higher prices.
Materials and Condition:
- Bronze or iron blades in good condition are rare.
- Gilded or gold-inlaid ceremonial types are highly sought after but often found only in museum collections.
Typical Auction Prices:
| Type | Estimated Price (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Basic iron akinakes | £1,500 – £4,000 |
| Decorated bronze blade | £4,000 – £10,000 |
| Gold-mounted ceremonial type | £15,000+ (museum quality) |
Prices vary considerably depending on condition, decoration, and legitimacy. Buyers should approach with caution and seek expert evaluation.
The Scythian akinakes represents more than a weapon; it reflects a mobile warrior culture shaped by the open steppe, fast horseback warfare, and a strong aesthetic tradition. Though eventually replaced by more specialised swords, it left a lasting mark on the martial identity of both the Scythians and the broader ancient world.
