Thracian Iron Sica and Scabbard

An ancient Thracian iron sica dagger of curved form, the blade only on the interior, with fullers at the outer edge, oval, pommel and crossgurard, with scabbard finial.

Ca. 2nd century BC. - 1st century AD.
Length: 13 7/8 in. (35.3 cm).

The sica is a dagger that was prevalent in the ancient Balkans. It is a shorter form of the falx, and it is the root word of the modern sickle. The distinctive shape was designed to get around the sides of an opponent’s shield, and stab or slash them in the back. In Roman gladiatorial combat the Thraex gladiator used the sica against his usual opponent, the Murmillo gladiator who carried a large shield.

Formerly in the Kuizenga collection, The Netherlands, acquired in the 1970s.
Inv#: 9176
Guaranteed Authentic

$7,500

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