Ахеменідcькі акінаки: походження і типи

Abstract

The present paper deals with a description and classification of the Achaemenid short sword akinakes. The Achaemenid akinakes was most probably influenced by the Scythians or the Sakas. Hence, the paper provides a brief discussion on other types of akinakes as well. There were longer examples of akinakes used by the Scythians, but the archaeological examples of Achaemenid akinakes and also their depictions on Achaemenid stone reliefs tend to depict short swords. Stone reliefs in Persepolis, Apadana, and other Persian sites show two types of Achaemenid short swords. One type is hung via a cord attached to an ear-shaped suspension system of the scabbard mouth, resembling the same suspension system used by Scythians and other nations influenced by them. The other type is tucked in the sash or the belt. The present paper argues that although these swords depicted on Achaemenid reliefs use two different suspension systems, they should be both considered as akinakes in the Persian cultural context. The stone reliefs show different decorative elements for each type of akinakes as well. It is not clear why some of them were left undecorated on the reliefs. It could be an artistic convention or it could be that they were wiped off due to climate changes. On the other hand, others are elaborately decorated. The paper also makes a comparative study between some Achaemenid swords kept in the National Museum of Iran and some western museums, and the akinakai depicted on Achaemenid stone reliefs. Hence, the present paper offers a new classification of Achaemenid akinakai represented on stone reliefs and compare them to some archaeological examples.