Archaeometric Investigation of the Kunágota-Sword : A Case Study

Abstract

Among the Early Medieval double-edged swords, excavated in the Carpathian Basin, there are a few which probably have Byzantine origin. The most unique piece of this small but significant group of weapons was unearthed at Kunágota, Southern Hungary. The sword, which has a special sword-guard made of bronze, has been examined by the experts of the Archaeometallurgical Research Group of the University of Miskolc with optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, ED-XRF, and microhardness tests. The primary aim was to study the microstructure of the blade and guard. There was also an important objective of the investigations to explore the possible manufacturing technology. Due to the metallographic examination, it was possible to reconstruct the manufacturing process of the Kunágota-sword. Three samples were taken from the sword for metallographic examination, two of them (K1A and K1B) were collected from the sword-guard and one (K2) from the blade. To summarise the results, it can be established that the basic material of the Kunágota-sword guard is a heterogeneous copper-alloy with high lead content. In the core area of the blade sample a very fine pearlitic structure can be seen. Towards the edge of the blade, a martensitic microstructure can be observed which probably proves a kind of heat treatment of the sword. With the aid of archaeometric investigations, our knowledge related to Byzantine swords can be deepened. Further interesting results can be gained by comparing with the characteristics of other Byzantine swords found of the Carpathian Basin.